Benchmark GC Celebrates Workforce Housing Project on Sanibel

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

Benchmark General Contractors and Community Housing & Resources (CHR) celebrated the ribbon cutting for Harkey House at Riverview on Thursday, Nov. 12, marking the completion of a $5 million workforce housing project that provides 15 one-bedroom apartments at below-market rents on Sanibel Island.

The building at 1517 Periwinkle Way is named in recognition of donations from Sanibel philanthropists Bill and Laurie Harkey. It replaces the former Riverview housing damaged by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. The new apartments help address the need for affordable housing for island workers who support local businesses and services.

“The people who work on Sanibel are essential to its recovery and its future, and they need affordable places to call home,” said Brad Nickel, president of Benchmark General Contractors. “We’re proud to partner with CHR on a project that restores housing lost to Hurricane Ian and gives island workers more opportunities to live in the community they serve.”

The building uses a wood frame above a concrete foundation supported by piles to help with hurricane resistance. Benchmark’s crews handled the concrete work, rough carpentry and trim carpentry, which Nickel said helped the company “control the budget, the quality and the timeline.”

Construction began in September 2025 and was led by Jose Castillo, senior project manager for Benchmark General Contractors. Harkey House at Riverview is part of CHR’s work to provide safe, quality, affordable housing for people who work in and serve Sanibel and Captiva.

“What made this possible was something very simple: people who cared, the people who believed affordable housing is not just about buildings; it’s about people,” said Nicole McHale, executive director of CHR. “It’s about the employee who serves your coffee in the morning. It’s about the person who’s keeping your business running, the worker who helped restore your home, and the families who want to be a part of this community. When we asked you, the community, to step up, you did.”

The planned Riverview II development next door to Harkey House at Riverview will add 39 workforce housing units, however a construction contract has yet to be awarded for the project.

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About Benchmark General Contractors
Benchmark General Contractors is a Southwest Florida-based construction firm specializing in commercial and luxury residential projects, with a strong presence in coastal communities including Sanibel and Captiva. Founded in 1984, the company is known for its expertise in complex coastal construction, delivering high-quality projects that meet the unique challenges of building in hurricane-prone environments. Benchmark combines craftsmanship, project management expertise and strong partnerships with developers and architects to deliver projects with precision, transparency and long-term value. As the region continues to grow and rebuild, Benchmark is helping shape the future of Southwest Florida through resilient construction and thoughtful development. For more information, visit Benchmark-GC.com or call 239-466-1590.