Stevens Construction begins La Gorce Family Intern Village at Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF)
Stevens Construction has started construction of the La Gorce Family Intern Village at the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), announced Dan Adams, executive vice president/partner, Stevens Construction, Inc.
Located at 3341 Sanibel Captiva Road, the 7,700-square-foot La Gorce Family Intern Village will feature three buildings, each accommodating up to 10 students, researchers or conservationists working with SCCF and its neighboring environmental partners, including CROW Wildlife Clinic and the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. The buildings will be connected by a shared elevated deck, pavilion and grand staircase, creating a collaborative environment designed to support hands-on ecological learning.
“The La Gorce Family Intern Village is essential to our mission. It allows us to bring researchers, students and conservationists back to the island at a moment when that work is more urgent than ever. After the storms, rebuilding wasn’t just about replacing what was lost; it was about creating infrastructure that supports long-term stewardship of this landscape. This project ensures that the next generation of environmental work on Sanibel has a place to live, learn and collaborate,” said James Evans, CEO, SCCF.
Designed to withstand potential storm surge and support a long-life structural design, the buildings are elevated approximately 5 feet above FEMA’s base flood elevation and incorporate a range of sustainable features. The La Gorce Family Intern Village features an aluminum standing-seam roof, along with screened pavilions and porches designed to enhance outdoor usability. The selected materials were carefully chosen for their low maintenance requirements, durability and long service life, ensuring long-term performance in a demanding environment.
As part of its construction management services, Stevens Construction spent nearly two years working with the client and architect to design the project in accordance with Sanibel building codes, SCCF’s sustainability and budget goals. The preconstruction team identified more than $200,000 in cost-saving suggestions.
The Stevens Construction team includes Director of Preconstruction Nick Burkel, Estimator Evan Lopes, Senior Project Manager Mike Brooks, Superintendent Tim McGlade and Project Administrator Morgan Thie. The project was designed by CO–G Architecture, with Amy Nowacki Architect LLC serving as the local architect. Quattrone & Associates is the civil engineer.
About Stevens Construction, Inc.
With offices in Fort Myers and Orlando, Fla., Stevens Construction specializes in providing construction management, general contracting and consulting services to clients and design professionals. Other services include site and design team selection, budgeting, project scheduling, permitting, cost and quality control and warranty service. The company builds healthcare, commercial and hospitality facilities. For information, visit www.stevensbuilds.com or call 239-936-9006.
About SCCF
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) is dedicated to protecting what makes Southwest Florida so special. Founded in 1967 as a land trust, SCCF carries out its mission to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems through conservation, science, education, and advocacy. From protecting wildlife and preserving land to restoring water quality, educating the community, and advocating sound environmental policy, SCCF works to ensure that wildlife and natural habitats flourish in harmony with people. Learn more at www.sccf.org.
