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REX KIRBY NAMED A SOUTH FLORIDA BUSINESS JOURNAL’S POWER LEADERS 250
Photo Credit: Jock Fistick, South Florida Business Journal
VERDEX CONSTRUCTION TO BUILD MAYLA RESIDENCES
West Palm Beach Based-Verdex Construction has been chosen to build Mayla Residences in Pompano Beach for Grover Corlew. Designed by MSA Architects, the new mixed-use project will have two 8-story buildings totaling 355 units with integrated garages and a pedestrian bridge. Amenities include a 2-story clubhouse with a fitness center, coworking space, dog spa and two pools. The project includes 60,000 sf of ground-level retail space. Construction will begin in February 2022.
To learn more about this project, visit the South Florida Business Journal.
About Verdex Construction
Verdex Construction is a privately held building contractor headquartered in West Palm Beach, FL with offices in Tampa and Gainesville. Led by founder and President Rex Kirby, a 40-year veteran in the construction business, Verdex provides general contracting services to clients including preconstruction, construction management, and design-build. Verdex is committed to “Building Something Better” through exceptional service, a fundamental focus on safety and quality, and value to owners, customers and the community. For more information, visit www.verdex.com
VERDEX’S CHRIS TARABA NAMED YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR BY THE PALM BEACH NORTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce named Verdex Construction project manager Chris Taraba as its Young Professional of the Year for 2021.
Chris has over nine years of construction project management experience on multifamily, commercial, office, senior living, education and municipal projects. In his five years with Verdex Construction, he has risen rapidly from Assistant Project Manager to Senior Project Manager.
He has developed strong leadership and management skills and shares his talent as the Chair of the Verdex Internship and Young Professionals committee. He has also been asked to participate in the company’s annual strategic planning for the past three years.
In addition to an intense workload with multiple deadlines, Chris makes time to volunteer and has been recognized for his leadership talents. He is the Past Chair of the Palm Beach North Chamber Young Professionals Steering Council (2018-2020), as well as a graduate of the North Palm Leadership Class of 2018. He currently is part of the Urban Land Institute Leadership Institute Class of 2021. He is also active in the Economic Council of Palm Beach County as an Emerging Leader and with the Construction Association of South Florida as a Future Leader, representing the voice of the millennial generation.
Chris graduated with a B.S. Purdue University. He was a Chancellor Medallion Recipient as an Outstanding Student and was inducted into the Tau Alpha Pi National Honor Society.
About Verdex Construction
Verdex Construction is a privately held building contractor based in West Palm Beach, FL, led by founder and President Rex Kirby, a 35-year veteran in the construction business. Verdex provides general contracting services to clients including preconstruction, construction management, and design-build. Verdex is committed to “Building Something Better” through exceptional service, a fundamental focus on safety and quality, and value to owners, customers and the community. For more information, visit www.verdex.com
VERDEX CONSTRUCTION BEGINS WORK ON POMPANO BEACH SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER
Verdex Construction has broken ground on the Pompano Beach Senior Activity Center located at 2005 NW 9th St., Pompano Beach. This project for the City of Pompano Beach consists of a one-story, 8,500 sq. ft. facility with indoor and outdoor amenities. The architect is Bermello Ajamil & Partners of Miami. Verdex hired more than 40-percent of its subcontractors and vendors from Pompano Beach, fulfilling a promise to the City that a significant portion of the work would be executed by local firms.
The interior will include multiple activity rooms, a fitness center, a spacious lobby and lounge area, a prep kitchen for catered events and office space with special anti-microbial HVAC coatings for top air quality and cleanliness. There will also be an outdoor activity area. Construction is expected to be complete in approximately 10 months.
“This community has asked for a senior activity center for many years so we look forward to providing them with a modern, long-lasting gathering space to enjoy,” said Verdex Construction president Rex Kirby. “We are also proud to have achieved a 40-plus-percent local subcontractor participation for this project which ensures a good portion of the work remains with Pompano Beach based businesses.”
Verdex Construction’s recent projects throughout South Florida include the Canopy by Hilton West Palm Beach Downtown; 1000 North, an upscale restaurant/club on the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter; and Town Lantana Apartments in Lantana. Verdex also has projects underway in both Tampa and Gainesville.
In just over six years, Verdex has earned numerous awards and prestigious industry recognition, including being selected as a finalist for 2020 Business of the Year by the South Florida Business Journal, finalist for 2020 Business of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, Builder of the Year by the AIA Palm Beach, and being selected as a GrowFL “Company to Watch”.
About Verdex Construction
Verdex Construction is a privately held building contractor based in West Palm Beach, FL, led by founder and President Rex Kirby, a 35-year veteran in the construction business. Verdex provides general contracting services to clients including preconstruction, construction management, and design-build. Verdex is committed to “Building Something Better” through exceptional service, a fundamental focus on safety and quality, and value to owners, customers and the community. For more information, visit www.verdex.com
VERDEX CONSTRUCTION CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF THE DISTRICT FLATS
More than 100 people, including West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James, joined Verdex Construction on Thursday, May 13 for the grand opening celebration of The District Flats. The 178-unit development from Palm Beach Garden’s-based Eastwind Development is located at 1050 Blanche St. Guests included West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James and City Commissioner Christina Lambert.
The District Flats features a modern-industrial, four-story building surrounding a central courtyard, swimming pool and deck area; a three-story building surrounding a garden amphitheater; and a three-level, 250-space parking garage enhanced by a large mural at the entry. A kinetic sculpture from local artist Beju also greets visitors as it waves in the wind.
The pet-friendly community also includes a dog park and the and commercial space that will eventually be home to a stylish cafe. There are 26 studio apartments; 86 one-bedroom, one-bath units; and 48 two-bedroom, two-bath apartments, along with a 3,000 sq. ft. clubhouse.
Designed by MSA Architects, with Verdex Construction as the general contractor, The District Flats is located south of the trendy Grandview Public Market food hall and other nearby retail and entertainment outlets like Steel Tie Distillery, Steam Horse Brewing Company and Gypsy Life Surf Shop.
All units will feature nine-foot ceilings, keyless door entries, programmable thermostats, tile & wood plank flooring, stainless steel appliances including a built-in wine fridge, granite countertops, pendant light fixtures, bedroom ceiling fans and energy and water conservation features designed to lower monthly resident utility bills.
Twenty percent of the apartments (36 units) in The District Flats are allocated as workforce housing and discounted for households with an annual income equal to or less than 140-percent of the annual median income for Palm Beach County. The project is just blocks from both the Tri-Rail station and Palm Tran, providing the critical mass transportation component that is essential for working families.
VERDEX CONSTRUCTION ADDS INDUSTRY VETERAN RYAN ACKNER TO SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Verdex Construction has appointed Ryan Ackner as Director of Special Projects. He will be based in the company’s West Palm Beach headquarters.
Ackner has been managing partner at two South Florida real estate development and construction firms. As Director of Special Projects at Verdex, he will manage interior renovations and buildouts, as well as smaller or specialized new construction. He will work closely with owners and design teams to establish best-in-class products and pricing along with safe logistics for work in occupied buildings.
Ackner worked on construction projects in occupied buildings while in high school, allowing him to gain practical experience before attending the School of Architecture at both the University of South Florida and Florida Atlantic University.
“With so many new companies relocating to South Florida, we anticipate significant growth in the number of companies that want to create their own spaces,” said Verdex President Rex Kirby. “Ryan has the experience to complete these projects with a focus on value for our clients.”
Verdex Construction’s recent projects throughout South Florida include the Canopy by Hilton West Palm Beach Downtown; 1000 North, an upscale restaurant/club on the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter; and Town Lantana Apartments in Lantana. Verdex also has projects underway in both Tampa and Gainesville.
In just over five years, Verdex has earned numerous awards and prestigious industry recognition, including being selected as a finalist for 2020 Business of the Year by the South Florida Business Journal, finalist for 2020 Business of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, Builder of the Year by the AIA Palm Beach, and being selected as a GrowFL “Company to Watch”.
About Verdex Construction
Verdex Construction is a privately held building contractor based in West Palm Beach, FL, led by founder and President Rex Kirby, a 35-year veteran in the construction business. Verdex provides general contracting services to clients including preconstruction, construction management, and design-build. Verdex is committed to “Building Something Better” through exceptional service, a fundamental focus on safety and quality, and value to owners, customers and the community. For more information, visit www.verdex.com
VERDEX CELEBRATES OUR COMPLETION OF HOMESAFE’S NEW RESIDENTIAL CAMPUS BY DONATING $125,000 TO SUPPORT MISSION
Palm Beach County non-profit, HomeSafe celebrated the ribbon-cutting for the opening of its brand-new campus in West Palm Beach. The innovative Sylvester Family West Campus will provide a welcoming and safe environment for young victims of child abuse to heal from their trauma and find confidence in their future.
The ribbon-cutting event also included a special announcement from Verdex Construction, the general contractor for the project. Verdex President Rex Kirby announced the company is donating $125,000 to HomeSafe to support its mission.
“As a past president and current member of the HomeSafe Board of Directors, I wanted to do everything we could to let the agency direct its budget to helping these children and not on construction costs,” said Kirby.
“This is truly a transformative time for the agency,” said Matthew Ladika, CEO of HomeSafe. “We are one of only five agencies in the state of Florida that provides a unique level of care in specialized therapeutic group homes for severely traumatized child abuse victims. This new campus, along with future construction projects, will help us continue our mission of creating safer, more productive lives for infants, children, young adults and families.”
The Sylvester Family West Campus consists of two buildings, the Residential Cottage and the Enrichment Center, totaling 15,356 sq. ft. The Residential Cottage offers 12 suites where each child will have their own private room and bathroom. The Cottage also has a large kitchen, living and dining areas, therapy wing and gaming area to create a comfortable home environment. The new Enrichment Center offers music and workout rooms, a multimedia lab, and educational wing and has a strategically designed layout so that staff will have even better supervision of the children. The 3.2 acre site also includes a nature trail, basketball court and gazebo which will provide for many outdoor activities.
About Verdex Construction
Verdex Construction is a privately held building contractor based in West Palm Beach, FL, led by founder and President Rex Kirby, a 35-year veteran in the construction business. Verdex provides general contracting services to clients including preconstruction, construction management, and design-build. Verdex is committed to “Building Something Better” through exceptional service, a fundamental focus on safety and quality, and value to owners, customers and the community. For more information, visit www.verdex.com
VERDEX CONSTRUCTION ADDS INDUSTRY VETERAN ALEX SMITH TO SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Verdex Construction has appointed Alex Smith, a construction industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience to its senior leadership team as Vice President of Operations. He will be based in the company’s West Palm Beach headquarters.
Smith has extensive management experience with some with the largest contractors in South Florida. He will manage operational oversight, establish high-quality training programs for staff, and extend efforts toward operational consistency, among other duties.
“Alex brings extensive experience and very valuable leadership skills to Verdex which is expanding its footprint across Florida,” said Verdex President, Rex Kirby. “His deep experience will bring many layers of added value to our clients around the state.”
Smith started his career as a carpenter and then project engineer while earning his Bachelor of Science Degree in Building Construction at the University of Florida. He is a member of the Construction Executive Association and a prior board member of the Construction Association of South Florida.
Verdex Construction’s recent projects throughout South Florida include the Canopy by Hilton West Palm Beach Downtown; 1000 North, an upscale restaurant/club on the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter; and Town Lantana Apartments in Lantana. Verdex also has projects underway in both Tampa and Gainesville.
In just over five years, Verdex has earned numerous awards and prestigious industry recognition, including being selected as a finalist for 2020 Business of the Year by the South Florida Business Journal, finalist for 2020 Business of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, Builder of the Year by the AIA Palm Beach, and being selected as a GrowFL “Company to Watch”.
About Verdex Construction
Verdex Construction is a privately held building contractor based in West Palm Beach, FL, led by founder and President Rex Kirby, a 35-year veteran in the construction business. Verdex provides general contracting services to clients including preconstruction, construction management, and design-build. Verdex is committed to “Building Something Better” through exceptional service, a fundamental focus on safety and quality, and value to owners, customers and the community. For more information, visit www.verdex.com
VERDEX CONSTRUCTION BEGINS WORK ON DEER CREEK SENIOR HOUSING APARTMENT COMMUNITY IN GAINESVILLE
Verdex Construction has broken ground on Deer Creek Senior Housing, an age-restricted affordable housing project in Gainesville to be built by Deer Creek Senior Housing LLLP, a partnership of Neighborhood Housing and Development Corporation of Gainesville and Rural Neighborhoods of Florida City. The project was designed by Hoffman & Facundo Architects of LaBelle, FL and Fetner Engineering of Hawthorne, FL. Completion is expected in spring 2022.
Located at 2166 NW 55th St., Deer Creek consists of five stories with 62 units totaling 67,000 sq. ft. Amenities include a multipurpose entertainment room, game and craft room, fitness center, meeting rooms, computer room and an outside picnic area.
“This is our first project in the Gainesville area following the 2020 launch of our North Florida office, headed by construction industry veteran Joey Mandese,” said Verdex President Rex Kirby. “We look forward to meeting the needs of the growing North Florida economy.”
The project will be built using cast-in-place concrete with precast hollowcore slabs, CMU and metal stud interior partitions, a modern stucco exterior style with exposed structure and rooftop solar panels on a three-acre site. There will also be a walkway path to the neighboring Gainesville Senior Recreation Center.
Verdex Construction’s recent projects throughout Florida include the Canopy by Hilton West Palm Beach Downtown; The Pointe on West Shore Apartments in Tampa, 1000 North, an upscale restaurant/club on the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter; and Town Lantana Apartments in Lantana.
In just over five years, Verdex has earned numerous awards and prestigious industry recognition, including being a 2020 Gator 100 Honoree (fastest growing University of Florida Gator graduate-led companies in the world), being selected as a finalist for 2020 Business of the Year by the South Florida Business Journal, finalist for 2020 Business of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, Builder of the Year by the AIA Palm Beach, and being selected as a GrowFL “Company to Watch”.
About Verdex Construction
Verdex Construction is a privately held building contractor based in West Palm Beach, FL, led by founder and President Rex Kirby, a 35-year veteran in the construction business. Verdex provides general contracting services to clients including preconstruction, construction management, and design-build. Verdex is committed to “Building Something Better” through exceptional service, a fundamental focus on safety and quality, and value to owners, customers and the community. For more information, visit www.verdex.com
VERDEX CONSTRUCTION NAMES INDUSTRY VETERAN DAN LAWRENCE AS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER IN TAMPA
West Palm Beach-based Verdex Construction has appointed Daniel Lawrence as Business Development Manager in Tampa, FL. Lawrence will be responsible for identifying potential projects and clients as Verdex expands its current footprint as a general contractor and construction manager in the Tampa Bay region.
Lawrence has more than 20 years of experience leading and developing significant projects in Tampa and across the country as part of Caspers Company. Projects included rezoning and restoration of the historic redevelopment of the Stovall House in Tampa; development of The Library Restaurant located within Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg; and renovation of the landmark Alexander Brown Restaurant in downtown Baltimore, MD.
“Daniel knows the Tampa Bay area inside and out and has built deep relationships across the industry,” said Verdex Construction President Rex Kirby. “The Tampa market is primed for significant growth over the next few years and we can bring value and experience to developers looking to address those needs.”
Lawrence is a graduate of Saint Leo University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Management. He is a resident of Tampa with his wife and daughter.
Verdex Construction is currently building The Pointe on Westshore multifamily apartment community at 4950 West Prescott Street in Tampa. Other recent projects include the Canopy by Hilton West Palm Beach Downtown; 1000 North, an upscale restaurant/club on the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter; and Town Lantana Apartments in Lantana, FL.
In just over five years, Verdex has earned numerous awards and prestigious industry recognition, including being selected as a finalist for 2020 Business of the Year by the South Florida Business Journal, finalist for 2020 Business of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, as well as being selected as a GrowFL “Company to Watch.”