By B.C. Manion
It’s a sight that isn’t seen too much these days.
A new two-story building is nearing completion at 15380 N. Florida Ave.
When completed, the 12,586-square-foot structure will boast cast stone around its base. It also has a two-story arch-shaped glass entry – creating a distinctive entrance.
When the building is done, natural light will stream into a second-story area that will be used for employee breaks, said Glenn Smith, project superintendent for ABI Construction Services, general contractor on the project.
The stucco over block structure will house Jaffe Tilchin Wealth Management, a company that handles fee-based portfolio management, risk management, financial planning and insurance services.
The story of the new building dates back to 2006, said Lou Tilchin, who at that time wanted a larger office for his wealth management company. The company then was operating out of a 4,000-square-foot office, off of Fletcher Avenue in Carrollwood.
When he started planning for a new space, Tilchin was considering an office of 7,000 square feet to 8,000 square feet.
But that was before the merger talks began with Jaffe, which ultimately increased the company’s space needs, Tilchin said.
At one point, a design of 13,000 square feet to 14,000 square feet was being considered, Tilchin said. But issues cropped up with the county over trees and the cost per square foot was getting ridiculously high, Tilchin said.
So they started over, Tilchin said.
In the interim, the recession has caused construction costs to drop, he said.
Work at the site began in May, Smith said, noting the project is ahead of schedule because subcontractors have been readily available.
The wealth management firm has 35 employees and currently operates at 3924 Premiere North off of Linebaugh Avenue. It expects to move to its Florida Avenue location sometime in November, Tilchin said.
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