Archives for April 2018

Mark Anderson named Sanibel Captiva Chamber Business Person of the Year

by

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 23, 2018) — Mark Anderson, founder and president of Benchmark General Contractors, Inc. (benchmark-gc.com), was named the Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce’s Business Person of the Year at the annual dinner which took place on April 10, 2018.

An active Chamber member and former board chair, Mr. Anderson is involved in many local charities and philanthropic organizations. Benchmark, established in 1984, is known for award-winning, environmentally sustainable residential and commercial building projects, new building and remodeling.

Mark credits his talented, efficient staff for Benchmark’s successes in quality building and green initiatives. Many of the team members have been with Benchmark for well more than a decade. Together, they have implemented several green technologies ranging from geothermal cooling to eco-friendly building systems and procedures.

Examples of Benchmark’s recent projects can be seen throughout Lee County including the Island Inn Resort, the Sanibel Community House, the Captiva Civic Association, the Edison Theater, and many traditional and contemporary residences throughout Lee County.

Benchmark team completes Islands Inn renovation on Sanibel Island

by

The Benchmark team is delighted to announce that the multi-faceted renovation of the Island Inn, Sanibel Island’s oldest inn, was completed in January 2018. Established in 1895, the Inn serves guests and residents on its 10 beachfront acres and pristine beach abundant in shells and silky sand, facing due south on the Gulf of Mexico. The complete renovation took place over several months, briefly interrupted by Hurricane Irma.

The newly refurbished inn beautifully reflects new exteriors and interiors, while retaining the charm and ambience of its legendary past. In 1895, founders Will and Harriett (Granny) Matthews came to Sanibel Island from Kentucky, chasing the elusive pioneer dream of a better life for themselves and their four children.

Today, the Island Inn has 49 rooms and cottages. All rooms have refrigerator, microwave and coffee making facilities and many have full kitchens. Rooms also feature Wi-Fi, HD LCD flat screen TV’s, DVD/CD players, and iPhone/iPod docking stations. With Benchmark’s innovative use of the latest in eco-friendly technology, geothermal systems cool the inside of the inn, and heat the pool outside. The large screened porches overlook the peaceful palms of the beachfront gardens; all just steps from the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Check out this amazing time-lapse video of the construction of Islands Inn Matthews Lodge