Orion dips into Florida market

Orion Construction entered into new territory with its first project in the state of Florida.

The Grand Rapids-based construction company is joining another local business, a boat shop called Tommy’s Florida, as it plans to build a new marina on Highway 50 in Clermont, Florida.

Tommy’s Marina will be a two-story building, with service bays on the lower level and boat sales and a pro shop on the upper level, according to Orion officials. The entire structure will be a pre-engineered, 14,500-square-foot metal building.

The new building will be an upgrade from the existing Tommy’s Florida located at 13649 Granville Ave., said Roger Rehkopf, president of Orion Construction.

He said the Grand Rapids construction firm formed a partnership with Tommy’s Florida stemming from personal relationships between the people on Orion’s management team and Tommy’s staff.

Tommy’s Florida owners could not be reached for comment at press time.

Rehkopf added Orion has other Florida projects in the pipeline that, like Tommy’s Florida, have come from existing client relationships, though he declined to offer names.

“We got some student housing options right now in a couple different locations,” Rehkopf said. “We hope it to be a fruitful relationship for both of us. It’s a great opportunity.”

Company officials said they believe expansion into the southern vacation market will be a positive move.

“We do hope to continue working in that area of the U.S. on additional projects now that we’re bonded there,” Orion spokesperson Jason Wheeler said.

Tommy’s Florida has five locations in the U.S. across Michigan, Colorado and Florida. Tommy’s Grand Rapids store is at 4022 West River Drive NE, Comstock Park.