NELSON 9/18/07 2:08 PM Page 195
NELSON CONSTRUCTION
PHOTOS BY AERIAL INNOVATIONS OF FLORIDA INC.
Nelson Construction specializes
in commercial buildings, heavy
highway construction, site work
and underground utilities.
Adaptable In All Markets
Nelson Construction aims to be flexible to complete a variety of projects. Its Glen Oaks stormwater
management project in Florida recently was honored for its excellence.
By Libby John
E arlier this year, Nelson Construction received an award
of excellence from the Associated Builders and Con-
tractors for its $7.6 million Glen Oaks stormwater
management project in Clearwater, Fla. The project demon-
strated the contractor’s diverse skills. “We were able to self-
perform most of the work,” notes David Vekasi, vice presi-
dent of business development.
The 32-acre project involved converting an existing city
golf course into a multipurpose flood detention, stormwater
treatment, wildlife habitat and recreational facility.
The facility provides flood protection for 78 dwelling
units, and the ponds treat runoff from the 1,243 acres that
drain directly to Stevens Creek, which runs through the
Glen Oaks project.
The project included a 480-square-foot gazebo, 350,000
cubic yards of pond and clay excavation, 7,300 linear feet
of storm drainage, water lines, sewer, new parking lot with
geo-web parking, two pedestrian bridges, two soccer fields,
5,700 linear feet of paved trails, 1,000 cubic yards of concrete
work and 1,350 cubic yards of retaining wall construction.
It also featured 3,000 square feet of restrooms and pavil-
ions, landscaping, irrigation and site amenities. The project
was completed in October 2006.
“Performing a diverse project is not new territory for the
company,” Vekasi says. Nelson strives to be flexible and do
a variety of projects. “We’re always changing a little bit,” he
says. “If commercial slows down, we’ll do public projects.
If that slows down, we’ll do residential projects.”
Getting Kids Interested
Nelson Construction operates as both a subcontractor and
a general contractor and specializes in commercial buildings,
heavy highway construction, site work and
Nelson Construction
underground utilities. www.nelson-construction.com
Currently, the company mostly per- 2006 revenues: $43.5 million
forms work for municipalities and govern- Headquarters: Palm Harbor,
Fla.
ment agencies, as well as site work for Employees: 150
schools and commercial clients. Specialty: Heavy highway con-
“David Nelson founded the company in struction and site work
David Vekasi, vice president of
1975,” Vekasi says. Nelson had moved to business development: “We’re
Palm Harbor, Fla., from Michigan and always changing a little bit.”
OCTOBER 2007 ■ CONSTRUCTION TODAY ■ 195