By Laurie Krosney
sun staff writer

Architect Mike McCaleb provides full-service design and construction for Island building projects.

The Holmes Beach resident has been designing and overseeing projects in all three Island cities for the past six years. He specializes in new construction, condominium complexes, commercial structures, larger remodeling projects and waterfront projects. McCaleb can also take an owner through a 50 percent remodel project.

"We know how to deal with all the regulation issues that concern each Island site, whether flooding, wind loads or anything else relating to that unique location," McCaleb said.

McCaleb, a pilot in the Vietnam War, went to school on the GI Bill. He secured a bachelor’s degree in architecture and a master’s in construction, making it possible for him to provide an entire package of professional services. He said he’s a Florida Gator all the way.

His wife, Melanie, a former marketing professional, provides the AutoCAD designs and does the office management.

McCaleb relocated to Anna Maria Island about seven years ago and has been providing architectural services ever since. He said he usually has between six and eight projects underway at any given time.

"Sometimes getting through all the hoops of the regulations the state, federal and local governments place on properties on this barrier Island can be confusing and complicated," McCaleb said. "That’s one area where we can really help. We know what’s required and we know how to work with what a client wants so that the clients needs and the regulatory requirements mesh."

McCaleb loves the work.

"It’s great to be involved from the front end, setting up the project from the beginning," he said. "You search into the client’s mind to really find out what they want and then develop the scope of work."

There are a couple of big projects currently underway. A Gulffront two-condo building just north of the Bamboo Club in Bradenton Beach is being built on Gulf Drive. Another is a condominium project on the "S" curve on Gulf Drive just south of the Manatee County Public Beach.

Another pet project McCaleb has been working on is a hurricane tie down system.

"We live in an older, ground level Florida home," McCaleb said. "This tie down system gives me peace of mind. I know my house is going to be there."

McCaleb drives anchors deep into the soil. There are also fasteners at the roof. The fasteners don’t really show and have to be pointed out before you know they are there.

"When a storm threatens, you just put on straps and ratchet them down," McCaleb said. "That way the room will stay secure even in heavy winds."

The tie down system is explained in McCaleb’s blog on his Web site as is a full profile of McCaleb’s work on the Island.

The web address is www.mccalebarchitect.com.

Mike McCaleb
Architect, P.A.
778-5560
www.mccalebarchitect.com