EWI Construction’s Director of Operations Cory Ellison took to the airwaves on “That Business Show” with Jamie Meloni to talk about the future of Tampa and, more specifically, EWI’s role in that future. Cory let listeners in on what it’s like working with EWI, as well as EWI’s current and upcoming projects in Tampa!
Cory oversees EWI’s day-to-day operations and ensures that the well-oiled construction management machine runs smoothly. As the Director of Operations, Cory sees that the work on the ground level is complete and that everyone is adhering to standard operating procedures. The management of these everyday activities is what brings EWI’s extraordinary projects into fruition. Cory works alongside his brother, Casey, who is the CEO of EWI and is tasked with defining EWI’s vision and securing new projects to fulfill that vision.
Cory elaborated on current projects underway at EWI, including their plan for the Tampa Armature Works Building. Delving into the history of the Armature Works, Cory explained how the building was constructed in 1911 and was originally used as the trolley barn where mechanics repaired Tampa’s streetcars. Utilized until the early 90’s, the now vacant Armature Works has since forth fallen into ruin. Yet, the
Armature Works building will soon sit as the “centerpiece” of Soho Capital’s 40-acre The Heights project. The Armature Works will include a marketplace of 16 vendor stalls, two restaurants, a rooftop bar, an event space, and a theatre. With its scale and commercial diversity, the Armature Works is primed to become the “northern hub” of Tampa’s Riverwalk.
Also included in Soho Capital’s The Heights will be The Pearl Apartments, a 314-unit apartment complex located on West Palm Avenue. The complex will incorporate several 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom units to accommodate both young professionals and families. As Tampa Heights and Seminole Heights continue to add more restaurants and breweries to their neighborhoods, more people from a variety of professional and socioeconomic backgrounds will look to the Heights as a place to call home.
While EWI is entering its tenth year, Cory took us back to the firm’s inception in 2007. Despite having established their construction management company right before the housing market collapse, Cory informed listeners that EWI has still seen growth year after year. “I think a big part of it is, to be honest with you, our youth,” said Ellison. “We’re a little younger than most, especially at the top with Casey (Ellison) and Anthony (Italiano), the founding partners of the company.” With a diligent team and young leaders at the helm, it’s easy for new, forward-thinking companies to find solace in working with such a young company. For a contractor, EWI is very design oriented, building efficiently while maintaining the creative design of the architect. This is something that shines through with all of EWI’s projects around Tampa.
Looking forward, EWI is particularly excited about the Junior Achievement Finance Park, scheduled to open Fall of 2017. The new facility will support students in learning about finance, careers, and leadership roles at a young age. This facility will be part of the University Community Development Area in Tampa. Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay serves 12 counties and offers programs taught by volunteers from the Tampa professional community to 99,000 students.
Take it from Cory that EWI has its sights set on building Tampa’s future. Each project means growth and opportunity for our city, taking Tampa one step further down the road to success. Visit EWI Construction today at www.ewiconstruction.com to see what projects are on the horizon for Tampa.
