provided to the Santiva Chronicle
Construction workers are about a third of the way toward finishing the new Harkey House at Riverview, Community Housing & Resources’ newest residential property. It’s rising on the site of the former Riverview units, behind the 7-Eleven on Periwinkle Way, which was nearly destroyed by Hurricane Ian.
CHR later demolished it and launched a $7 million capital campaign to replace it. CHR broke ground in September 2025 and announced the campaign had met its goal in December 2025.
It’s named for Bill and Laurie Harkey, who gave $1.5 million to the project. The new structure will have 15 up-to-date, single-bedroom/bath units designed to withstand harsh weather more effectively.
“We are working on the third-floor walls and the second-floor elevator shaft,” said James Cassen, Senior Superintendent for Benchmark General Contractors, based in Fort Myers.
“Over the next few months, we will be setting the trusses on the roof, drying the building in (making sure it’s waterproof and protected from the elements), building out the interior framing of the units, starting the plumbing, electrical, and mechanical roughs in the building, and setting the doors and windows,” explained Cassen.
He added that the project is on pace to wrap up by the end of 2026, and he and his crew are thrilled to work with CHR.
“I am incredibly grateful for my journey with CHR,” Cassen said. “Beyond the professional growth, the real reward has been seeing our collective efforts create a tangible, lasting impact on the community. It’s an honor to be part of something so much bigger than ourselves.”
CHR Executive Director Nicole McHale echoed that excitement.
“We’re thrilled to see the new Harkey House at Riverview rising up where our old Riverview once stood. It’s a powerful symbol of our community’s resilience and vision for every person to have a quality, affordable place to call home,” McHale said.
The Sanctuary Golf Club Foundation was among those who supported that vision and awarded $250,000 to the Riverview project so those who work in the community can also call it home.
“We are proud to support CHR’s Riverview building project and the vital role it plays in our community,” said Foundation President Lisa Schmidlin. “Access to attainable housing is essential to the health and sustainability of our island.”
“This investment reflects our commitment to ensuring that the people who serve and support our community have the opportunity to live here, as well,” said Schmidlin.
The mission of The Sanctuary Golf Club Foundation is to support nonprofits that positively impact the lives of people in need living or working on Sanibel or Captiva, and to provide educational scholarship grants and emergency grants to Sanctuary employees and their families.
The Harkey House at Riverview marks an important step in the recovery of affordable housing on Sanibel, and it has been a collaborative effort to build a stronger, more resilient community.