Making Waves

>>When you think of hot development areas in Southwest Florida, Hendry and Glades counties typically aren't top of mind . unless you're Mitch Hutchcraft. The Columbus, Ind., native moved to Southwest Florida in 1976 after his father accepted the first full-time faculty position at the new University of South Florida campus in Fort Myers.

As regional vice president for The Bonita Bay Group, Hutchcraft, 40, oversees projects totaling more than 6,200 acres in those counties. "That's about 20,000 residential units and 3 million square feet of other space for parks, infrastructure, even a college campus."

Hutchcraft, a University of Florida graduate with a master's degree in urban and regional planning, began working for The Bonita Bay Group in 2001. Its first community to open in Hendry will be Murphy's Landing, a 187-acre development along a mile stretch of the Caloosahatchee River. "Developing in harmony with the surrounding environment is always the starting point in our design plans," says Hutchcraft.

Keeping the area's charm intact is important, too, which is why Hutchcraft was instrumental in Bonita Bay's purchase of the landmark Flora & Ella's restaurant. "It's a wonderful asset in LaBelle that must be retained," he says. "Buying it provides long-term financial viability, while ensuring it stays a treasure for years to come. Of course, we'll also take the opportunity to introduce Flora & Ella's famous mile-high pies to our other communities."

Last year, Hutchcraft took his building skills to Rwanda, where he helped build a school through the Builders without Borders program. "It was the most personally fulfilling endeavor I've ever been involved with," he says.

He also serves on the Edison College Foundation Executive Committee, as a director of the Lee Building Industry Association, and on Hendry's Economic Development Committee and Regional Medical Center Task Force. "I believe it's essential to be involved in the community where you work," says Hutchcraft.

-Lauren S. Bernaldo