From the Ground Up: How WPC Delivered The Breeze Apartments with Precision and Pride
- WPC
- 16 hours ago
- 4 min read
In the heart of Winter Haven, Florida, just steps from downtown shops and restaurants, The Breeze Apartments is a six-story cast-in-place concrete community that blends industrial styling with modern function. With 102 thoughtfully designed units, amenities like a fitness center and pool, and an ambitious delivery schedule, this was more than just another ground-up build. It was a demonstration of team alignment, client trust, and unwavering focus on quality.
The project finished ahead of schedule with strong praise from both SixTen, DevMar, and the City of Winter Haven, but the real story lies in how it all came together.
Project Snapshot
Project: The Breeze Apartments
Client: SixTen LLC and DevMar
Location: Downtown Winter Haven, FL
Scope: New construction, six-story cast-in-place concrete structure
Units: 102 apartments (studio, 1-bed, 2-bed), plus common areas
Amenities: Ground-level fitness center, pool, leasing office, tenant storage, EV charging, package/mailroom
Delivery: Completed July 28, 2025, ahead of contract date
WPC Team: Frank Gerlach (Senior Superintendent), Davis Schleicher (Superintendent), Rob Smart (Project Manager), and Sam Miller (COO oversight)
Building Smart on a Tight Site
The 3-acre downtown site presented early logistical challenges. With minimal laydown space and an existing sanitary line running beneath the building footprint, the team had to be methodical in how they sequenced work and coordinated deliveries.
Precise planning and structure allowed the jobsite to stay organized and efficient. Every subcontractor had assigned zones, and WPC maintained a standard of readiness so that trades could start work the moment they arrived.
“Our goal was simple,” said Rob. “When a subcontractor shows up, they start, they continue, and they finish. That kind of flow kept us on schedule.”
Collaboration That Kept Things Moving
Throughout the build, the project team maintained strong communication with the design team, consultants, and SixTen/DevMar. When technical questions arose, field leaders reviewed intent, consulted stakeholders, and resolved issues quickly. A collaborative atmosphere, backed by trust and transparency, allowed WPC to keep the job moving without compromising quality or compliance.
The City of Winter Haven also proved to be a valuable partner. From early utility release coordination to final inspections, their willingness to engage with the team in real time helped eliminate unnecessary downtime.
Staying Ahead of Schedule
The project stayed on track through proactive planning and fast response times.
Milestone Tracking: Each team meeting identified potential roadblocks up to 60 days in advance.
Preemptive Workarounds: During permit or equipment delays, prep work was completed so installations could proceed immediately once approvals were granted.
Schedule Discipline: July 28 was the turnover target for six months, and the team never missed a beat.
“That turnover date didn’t change for the final 6 months of construction,” said Sam. “Hitting a fixed date for that long is a true sign of discipline and coordination.”
Field Culture That Sets the Tone
Cleanliness, safety, and accountability defined the jobsite culture. Early expectations were set, and the team enforced them consistently.
Subcontractors were encouraged to communicate directly with one another, solving sequencing and access issues in real time. Monthly all-hands meetings invited every crew member to voice concerns or suggestions, creating buy-in and shared ownership across the board.
“Morale was high,” said Davis. “You could feel the pride in the work and see the results in the way crews showed up, stayed productive, and kept the site clean.”
Quality in Every Detail
Structure: Cast-in-place frame with exposed concrete ceilings and columns for an industrial aesthetic
Exterior: Textured stucco, impact-rated windows, TPO roofing, and balconies on every unit
Interior: Crisp finishes, clean lines, and tight punch lists
Photo credit: Chad Baumer Photography
Even the roof installation was a showcase of planning. Every pad, stand, and hatch was pre-laid and checked before the roofers arrived. The result was a clean, efficient install completed just in time to beat several heavy rainstorms.
“The roof crew said it was the cleanest prep they’d ever seen,” said Frank. “That’s what happens when you plan the work and work the plan.”
A Relationship Built on Trust
SixTen and DevMar saw a meaningful difference from day one. Clear communication, consistent progress, and shared problem-solving built trust early and often. Every site walk reinforced confidence in WPC’s team and methods.
“We told them what we were going to do, and then we did it,” said Rob. “That consistency built trust. And it earned us more work.”
The relationship has already expanded. SixTen has awarded new projects based on the strength of this experience, and multiple future opportunities are now in negotiation.
Turning Over with Confidence
Despite a few delays with inspections and third-party vendors, unit turnover was smooth. Most apartments passed on the first walk. The city’s lead inspector even noted that he had never issued final approvals for full floors on the first walk—until now.
What Made This One Work?
A unified message from WPC leadership, consistent across every level
Subcontractors treated as partners, held accountable and empowered
High standards for jobsite organization, sequencing, and cleanliness
Proactive communication with the client, the city, and the design team
A leadership team that showed up every day, set the pace, and stayed invested
Final Word
The Breeze Apartments is more than a completed multifamily structure. It’s proof that when leadership is aligned, planning is deliberate, and every team member is respected and held to a standard, great things happen.
“This is the kind of project you remember,” said Sam. “It was organized, efficient, and delivered with pride.”
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