Builder builds up client list

Halfacre Construction, one of the most established locally owned commercial builders in the Sarasota-Manatee region, scored two major victories recently.

One project is a new United States Department of Agriculture research and development facility in Manatee County. The 28,210-square-foot building, on 3.5 acres at 7525 Commerce Court, Sarasota, will be used to protect the area's agriculture industry from non-indigenous insect outbreaks, according to a release. A $6.3 million project scheduled for completion in fall 2017, the building will replace the existing Sarasota-area facility on 57th Street and DeSoto Road.

The prototype building, say officials, will also allow for an increase in production and is equipped as an emergency facility to combat multiple outbreaks. It will house laboratories, cook and emergency rooms, two large walk-in coolers and an elaborate heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.