Posts Tagged ‘construction’
VERDEX WALKS WITH PURPOSE IN SUPPORT OF HEART HEALTH ACROSS FLORIDA
Verdex Construction was proud to participate in the American Heart Association Heart Walks in both Tampa Bay and West Palm Beach, joining communities across Florida in support of heart health and lifesaving research. These events brought together individuals and organizations united by a shared commitment to fighting heart disease and stroke.
Our teams came together to walk with purpose, raise awareness, and show support for the American Heart Association’s mission to improve cardiovascular health for all. This cause is especially meaningful to the construction industry, where workers often face a higher risk of heart attacks due to demanding physical labor, high stress environments, and long work hours. The energy and sense of community at each walk reinforced the importance of education, prevention, and continued investment in research that saves lives.
We were especially honored that our President & CEO, Rex Kirby, served as an Executive with Heart, further demonstrating Verdex’s leadership commitment to giving back and supporting initiatives that create meaningful, lasting impact. His involvement reflects our belief that strong leadership extends beyond the jobsite and into the communities we serve.
At Verdex, we are proud to stand alongside organizations like the American Heart Association and to support causes that promote healthier futures for our employees, partners, and neighbors throughout Florida. Raising awareness around heart health is a responsibility we take seriously, and we remain committed to helping educate and protect those who work every day to build our communities.
VERDEX SPONSORS 19TH ANNUAL BUSINESS MATCHMAKER CONFERENCE
Verdex Construction was proud to sponsor the 19th Annual Business Matchmaker Conference, an impactful event dedicated to empowering small businesses throughout Palm Beach County. The conference brought together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and public-sector representatives for a day focused on education, connection, and opportunity.
Designed to help small businesses grow and thrive, the Business Matchmaker Conference featured a series of informative workshops aimed at expanding access to resources, strengthening financial readiness, and opening doors to contracting opportunities with government agencies and private partners. Attendees gained valuable insights into navigating complex processes while building meaningful relationships that support long-term success.
Verdex was honored to sponsor the “How To Do Business with Government” workshop, which provided practical guidance on understanding public-sector procurement, positioning businesses for success, and identifying pathways to government contracting. The session sparked thoughtful discussion and gave attendees clear, actionable information they could apply immediately.
A diverse lineup of additional workshops were offered to help small businesses strengthen their foundations and pursue new opportunities. Topics included how to do business with government entities, gap financing, obtaining bonding, and identifying private funding sources.
Throughout the conference, the Verdex team connected directly with small business owners, listened to their goals and challenges, and ensured that they walked away with the resources and information they need to move forward with confidence. These conversations reinforced the critical role small businesses play in our industry, our communities and on our projects.
BREAKING GROUND: VISTA CENTER COMPLEX EXPANSION IS UNDERWAY
We’re excited to share that Verdex Construction has officially broken ground on the Verdenia C. Baker Vista Center Complex Expansion in Palm Beach County! This important initiative will directly support the Planning, Zoning & Building Division by creating the space and infrastructure needed to better serve the growing needs of the community.
Situated on a 12.14-acre site, the project includes a new 58,000-square-foot, two-story building and a three-story parking garage that will enhance daily operations and improve accessibility for both staff and residents. More than just new construction, this expansion is a meaningful investment in the future of Palm Beach County services.
We were honored to be joined at the groundbreaking ceremony by Whitney Carroll, Executive Director of Planning, Zoning & Building, and Mayor Maria Marino, who both spoke to the long-term impact and vision behind the expansion.
Designed by Song + Associates and built in partnership with SBE partner Total Solution Contractors, this project represents strong collaboration and a shared commitment to building spaces that work for the people who rely on them. We’re proud to help bring that vision to life and look forward to the progress ahead.
VERDEX CELEBRATES GROWTH WITH TAMPA OPEN HOUSE AND RIBBON-CUTTING
Verdex Construction is proud to announce the official opening of our new, West Coast office in Tampa! Located at 10150 Highland Manor Drive, Suite 150, Tampa, FL 33610, this expansion marks an exciting chapter in our continued growth and deepening presence in the Tampa Bay region.
To celebrate this milestone, we hosted an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony in partnership with the Tampa Bay Chamber. The event brought together clients, partners, and community leaders for an unforgettable evening filled with great food, cocktails, and meaningful networking.
The energy in the room was electric as we cut the ribbon on our new space—a symbol of how far we’ve come and where we’re headed. With a growing portfolio of projects in the area and a talented local team leading the charge, Verdex is more committed than ever to “Building Something Better” across Tampa Bay.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us in celebrating this important moment. Here’s to continued growth, strong partnerships, and a bright future ahead! Stop by and visit us if you are in the area!
GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY HELD FOR 8111 S. DIXIE MIXED-USE PROJECT IN WEST PALM BEACH
On December 12, 2024, city officials, development partners, and community members gathered to celebrate the official groundbreaking of 8111 S. Dixie, a transformative mixed-use development located in West Palm Beach’s South End. Verdex Construction is proud to serve as the general contractor for this dynamic project that will bring much-needed residential and retail options to the area.
Developed by Woodfield Development and Flagler Realty & Development, and designed by Spina O’Rourke + Partners, the eight-story building will feature 358 residential units, including 90 affordable apartments, along with 19,000 square feet of retail space. The project will help meet the growing demand for both market-rate and attainable housing in Palm Beach County.
Residents will enjoy thoughtfully designed studio to three-bedroom layouts, upscale amenities like a resort-style pool, a top-floor sky lounge, a coworking business center, and access to a scenic waterfront walkway with a kayak and canoe launch. A 15,000-square-foot urban grocer is already confirmed for the retail portion, providing added convenience for residents and neighbors alike.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by several city officials and project partners, including West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James, Commissioners Christina Lambert, Christy Fox, and Cathleen Ward, and Jennifer Ferriol, Director of Housing and Community Development. Also in attendance were Ross Abramson, Partner at Woodfield Development; Patrick Koenig, Founding Principal of Flagler Realty & Development; and Brad Keonig, Vice President. Their participation reflects the strong public-private collaboration and shared commitment to the continued revitalization of the South End.
Construction is officially underway, with first move-ins anticipated in Q3 2026 and full project completion expected by the end of the year. As West Palm Beach continues to grow and evolve, Verdex is proud to play a part in shaping its future through high-quality, impactful projects like 8111 S.
REX KIRBY FEATURED IN THE ECONOMIC COUNCIL OF PALM BEACH COUNTY, INC “CONVERSATIONS WITH THE COUNCIL”
COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION AND COMMUNITY
Rex Kirby stands at the forefront of the construction industry, leading Verdex Construction with a vision that blends innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. But he will be the first to admit he doesn’t do it alone. His commitment to collaboration and transparency fosters an environment where employees feel empowered to contribute ideas.
As President and CEO, Rex manages a team of 110 people with headquarters in West Palm Beach, Tampa, and Gainesville. “I promote and actually have an open-door policy. I am always willing to jump in and help when someone needs my involvement. I’d say I promote a “roll up your sleeves and help” attitude and expect that from everyone in the company.” His talented team works on diverse projects, including multi-family units, assisted living and memory care facilities, K-12 and higher education institutions, as well as public sector, commercial, and hospitality developments. If you’ve taken in the stunning views from the rooftop of the Canopy Hotel by Hilton or played pickleball atop Tortoise One, the upscale residence on Dixie Highway, you’ve seen how they are redefining the downtown West Palm Beach skyline.
With forty years of expertise, Rex and his staff take pride in “Building Something Better.” “I am a thoughtful leader. I don’t like to make instantaneous decisions. If I am torn over an issue, I will wait until I ponder it and ask more questions.” However, that wasn’t always the case. “My listening skills have improved over time, much less of a get it done or get out of the way approach. “
A proud graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in Civil Engineering, Rex began his career in Texas but, after a year and a half, relocated to Orlando to be an assistant project manager before making the leap to become Senior Vice President of the Florida Division for Suitt Construction. “I was fortunate to work for/with two people at the beginning of my career w
ho were the best at what they do but opposites. One taught me the art of networking and building relationships. The other taught me to hold my ground and have my ducks in a row. It was very valuable working with them at a young age.” After 15 years at Suitt, he came to South Florida to serve as President and General Manager of the Southeast Region for Suffolk Construction before starting Verdex ten years ago.” From day one, we’ve focused on how we can help clients make their projects work. We don’t want to rubber-stamp a project. We come up with out-of-the-box ideas on how we can get their budgets in line.”
He brings that same commitment to the Economic Council of Palm Beach County. “I was invited to join by Jonathan Satter and Nat Roberts at the time. There was and is a great group of business leaders, and the mission is to drive a businessfriendly environment in Palm Beach County. It is important to pay attention to the direction of the county and put our strength behind important initiatives that will impact our businesses and quality of life.” He says his membership is beneficial to his company. “Having the business community together on an issue is extremely effective in driving and communicating our views and the impact of a decision on Palm Beach County. It’s also a great way to get to know people in the business community and build relationships.”
Like others on the council, he sees the urgent need for solutions to the county’s housing, traffic, and education challenges. Nevertheless, he’s optimistic, believing that he and his peers can make real progress as they’ve done throughout his fourteen years on the council. “We are able to share concerns and meet with decision-makers to drive change where needed.”
Just as he works to address countywide issues, Rex inspires his team to strengthen local communities, encouraging them to volunteer, knowing that hands-on involvement builds a stronger, more invested company culture. He brings a down-to-earth, genuine approach and sincere dedication to making a difference, whether participating in fundraising events or lifting up tomorrow’s leaders.
Conversations with the Council was written by: Corey Saban
Corey Saban is a communications strategist working with clients on public
speaking skills, corporate storytelling, and marketing initiatives that drive results
REX KIRBY REPRESENTS VERDEX CONSTRUCTION AT SOUTH FLORIDA BUSINESS JOURNAL REAL ESTATE POWER LEADERS ROUNDTABLE
Verdex Construction’s President, Rex Kirby, recently participated in the South Florida Business Journal Power Leaders Roundtable, an exclusive event where regional real estate leaders discussed the current opportunities and challenges in South Florida’s development landscape.
The roundtable addressed a variety of industry issues, including rising construction costs, the ongoing affordable housing shortage, and the growing importance of sustainable practices. Kirby highlighted Verdex Construction’s approach to navigating these complexities, focusing on value engineering, sustainability, and strong partnerships.
Speaking on the significance of long-term relationships in the construction and real estate sectors, Kirby emphasized the importance of trust and collaboration. “Long-term relationships have liquidity to move forward,” Kirby said. “People can’t waste time with someone who won’t be able to get a deal done.” This insight underscores Verdex’s commitment to building partnerships that enable smooth project execution, even in a fluctuating market.
Another key point discussed was how Verdex leverages technology to optimize project delivery. Kirby highlighted the company’s use of advanced project management tools to improve communication, streamline processes, and ensure project deadlines are met, even in the face of supply chain disruptions and labor shortages.
Kirby also addressed the pressing need for affordable housing in South Florida, noting Verdex’s efforts to balance cost-effective construction solutions while maintaining high-quality standards. By working closely with developers and municipalities, Verdex continues to find innovative ways to contribute to the region’s housing crisis.
Visit the South Florida Business Journal to read more.
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 celebrates 10 years “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.
APELLA ON NEWPORT STUDENT HOUSING IN TAMPA READY FOR STUDENTS
Verdex Construction proudly announces the completion of the Apella on Newport student housing project in Tampa. This state-of-the-art, 8-story development boasts 150 units and 576 beds, encompassing a total of 257,960 gross square feet (GSF). Designed to cater to the needs of students attending the University of Tampa, Apella on Newport represents a significant addition to the area’s student housing options.
The project features a two-story parking garage with 303 spaces, totaling 127,292 square feet (SF). In addition to the ample parking, Apella on Newport offers a variety of modern amenities designed to enhance student living. Residents will enjoy a rooftop clubhouse, a third-floor amenity deck with a fitness center, communal study areas and a pool with BBQ area, creating a vibrant and convenient living environment.
Developed by Commercial Street Partners and designed by the architectural firm Gensler, Apella on Newport stands as a testament to high-quality, innovative living spaces tailored for today’s student population. This partnership has resulted in a dynamic and thoughtfully designed housing complex that will serve the University of Tampa students well.
“We are proud to have built Apella on Newport, a vital project addressing the significant need for student housing adjacent to the University of Tampa. This development is more than just a building; it’s an essential addition to the community, ensuring that students have a place to call home as they pursue their education” said Toby Johnson, Vice President and Managing Director of Verdex Construction West Coast.
This project not only addresses the growing demand for student housing in Tampa but also exemplifies Verdex Construction’s commitment to excellence and innovation in Tampa/Sarasota market. By incorporating modern design elements and state-of-the-art amenities, Apella on Newport sets a new standard for student housing in the area.
Read more on the Tampa 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 celebrates 10 years “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 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Verdex Construction proudly celebrates its 10-year anniversary of transformative growth. Known for its innovative construction practices, unparalleled service, and community impact over the past ten years, Verdex has built more than 10 million square feet of multifamily, industrial, commercial, senior living, hospitality, government/education, and non-profit spaces, and has won awards for Best Places to Work, safety, quality, growth, and leadership. A few years ago, the company expanded its footprint with offices in Tampa and Gainesville, marking its commitment to growth and excellence throughout Florida.
Founded in 2014 by CEO and President, Rex Kirby, Verdex Construction has quickly become noted for “Building Something Better” – from its teams to its projects. In just a decade, Verdex has evolved from a startup to annual revenues of $350 million, earning recognition as one of the Fastest Growing Companies in South Florida in 2019 and 2024. While this accolade is impressive, the company has consistently prioritized excellence over size, focusing on being the best rather than the biggest, ensuring that every project reflects its relentless pursuit of superior standards.
In addition to building approximately 7,000 garden-style to high-rise apartment units, Verdex’s success is underscored by its portfolio of award-winning projects. One of Verdex’s most well-known projects, The Canopy Hotel, located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach, won a 2020 Excellence in Construction Gold Eagle Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Florida East Coast Chapter and the 2019 Legacy Award for North America New Build by Hilton. Another significant achievement is The Watermark at West Palm Beach, a luxury senior living community that has garnered acclaim, winning a 2023 Golden Eagle Award by ABC East Coast Chapter. Currently, Verdex’s 2 largest projects under construction include “The Adderley Apartments”, two 6-story apartment buildings with 417 units and garage totaling 591,464 sf located in Fort Lauderdale, FL and “Met West Apartments” an 8-story apartment building with 375 units and garage totaling 678,00 sf located in Tampa, FL.
As Verdex Construction celebrates its 10-year anniversary, the company remains dedicated to its core values of quality, integrity, and community. Verdex extends its gratitude to its clients, partners, and dedicated team members for being part of its story.
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 celebrates 10 years “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 PRESIDENT, REX KIRBY, NAMED A 2024 POWER LEADER IN REAL ESTATE
Verdex Construction proudly announces that its President and CEO, Rex Kirby, has been recognized as a Power Leader in Real Estate by the South Florida Business Journal (SFBJ) for 2024. This esteemed recognition highlights Kirby’s outstanding contributions and leadership within the real estate industry.
Under Kirby’s visionary leadership, Verdex Construction has solidified its position as a major player in the South Florida construction landscape. In 2023, the firm soared to impressive heights, securing the sixth spot among the largest general contractors and ranking as the 35th-largest private company in South Florida. Notable projects spearheaded by Verdex Construction under Kirby’s guidance include The Adderley in Fort Lauderdale and Tuttle Royale in Royal Palm Beach, both boasting valuations exceeding $90 million.
Born in Tallahassee, Kirby’s journey to success is underscored by his academic prowess, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Florida. His dedication to excellence is further evidenced by his commitment to leveraging emerging technologies within the real estate sector. Kirby believes that artificial intelligence will revolutionize the industry, emphasizing the pivotal role of data in driving efficiency and the potential of robotics in mitigating labor shortages.
Read more: SFBJ 2024 Power Leaders in Real Estate – South Florida Business Journal (bizjournals.com)
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 celebrates 10 years “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.