Southeast Construction Partners break ground on new project

Southeast Construction Partners hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for its first project Oct. 1 at the corner of Smith and Main streets in downtown Winter Garden.

The planned two-story, 17,000-square-foot building, located at 186 S. Main St., Winter Garden, includes a two-story restaurant concept, as well as office spaces available for rent, making it a dynamic addition to the downtown area. 

What makes this development particularly special is its design around a stunning, 100-year-old oak tree, integrating nature into the heart of the project. 

The building is scheduled to be completed by spring 2025.

“This is a little bit more than just a groundbreaking event,” said Richard Ionelli, Southeast Construction Partners president and CEO. “We have our groundbreaking for the event, but we also have the groundbreaking for our new company, Southeast Construction Partners. It’s only about 3 months old, and this will be our first project. … My goal with this company is to grow it to where it’s not giant, but it’s big enough to be sustainable. I want to be able to stay in the mix, in the details and in the community. I want to give my clients the attention and quality they deserve. With bigger companies, it tends to be a challenge for the leadership team to stay involved.”

Southeast Construction Partners soon will be based on Plant Street in Winter Garden. 

“While we are new in name, our team brings more than 25 years of industry experience and a strong commitment to bringing innovative construction projects to life,” Ionelli said. “Our focus is on delivering excellence in every project, guided by values rooted in integrity, collaboration and client satisfaction.”

Ionelli said the four main focuses of the company are safety, transparency, loyalty and commitment. 

“We specialize in both commercial and residential construction, including low-income and tax credit multifamily projects and market-rate multi-family housing,” he said. “In addition to general contracting, we offer project management, construction consulting and pre-construction services. With our extensive experience and dedication to quality, we look forward to making a lasting impact in Winter Garden and across Florida.”

The groundbreaking event additionally included words from other project leaders, such as David Cardaci and Steve Healy, as well as a dirt-scooping ceremony completed with the help of community members. 

The building, which will be constructed out of masonry and steel, will feature brick exterior with aluminum windows to match the character and charm of the downtown area. 

The project will consist of 5,100 square feet of finished restaurant space, with the remaining area being reserved for unfinished office space. 

The building also will be designed around the historical tree, with a second-story patio area under its canopy.

“This is going to be an exciting addition to our city,” Ionelli said. “Let’s make it clear: The tree stays. We are not going to touch the tree. We potentially will first improve the area around the tree and give it more protection. The building has been designed to actually work around the tree.”

Southeast Construction Partners already has plans for more upcoming projects in the area, including medical and professional offices on Dillard Street and an undetermined project on Fourth Street and State Road 50.