Dawson Company Partners with CCI for Maritime Park Phase One
The Dawson Company, operating as Inspired Communities of Florida (ICF), is pleased to announce a landmark partnership with Corporate Contractors, Inc. (CCI) to co-develop, co-own, and co-invest in Phase One of the $200 million redevelopment of Pensacola’s iconic Maritime Park. This transformative collaboration not only symbolizes a shared vision for sustainable urban revitalization but also cements a long-term commitment to Pensacola’s future as a dynamic, inclusive, and economically vibrant coastal city.
At the heart of this expansive project lies the Reverb by Hard Rock Hotel and Rhythm Lofts—two anchor developments designed to breathe new life into the city’s waterfront district. This bold, mixed-use initiative is poised to deliver new opportunities for residents, entrepreneurs, and visitors, while catalyzing economic momentum and cultural vibrancy across the region.
A Partnership Grounded in Shared Vision and Values
“This partnership represents the alignment of vision, values, and execution,” said Tamara Bowens, President and COO of The Dawson Company. “By joining forces with CCI, we’re ensuring that the future of Maritime Park is not only architecturally and culturally significant—but also economically transformative for Pensacola.”
The partnership was forged with guidance and support from Quint Studer, a respected Pensacola philanthropist, investor, and civic leader. Studer recognized the natural synergy between Dawson’s commitment to long-term, inclusive community development and the Hendricks organization’s passion for purposeful investment and large-scale revitalization.
“Twenty years ago, the concept of the Community Maritime Park was presented to the Pensacola community as a game changer—and it truly has been,” said Studer. “Now, with The Dawson Company, CCI, and Pensacola native and NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith leading the charge, we are witnessing the next major leap in Pensacola’s journey. Just like the ongoing renaissance of Beloit, Wisconsin, this initiative positions Pensacola as an even greater place to live, work, and visit.”
With CCI officially joining the ICF-Smith partnership, the redevelopment effort gains a nationally acclaimed leader in community transformation, bringing credibility, expertise, and momentum.
CCI: A Proven Leader in Community-First Development
Headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin, Corporate Contractors, Inc. (CCI) is known for executing visionary projects that prioritize community needs and economic impact. Its track record includes large-scale, award-winning developments like The Beloit College Powerhouse, a pioneering adaptive reuse project, and The Grain, a landmark mass timber construction initiative. Currently, CCI serves as Owner’s Representative for the $500 million Ho-Chunk Nation Casino and Convention Center, the largest construction project in Beloit’s history.
In Pensacola, CCI will take on an expansive role as vertical construction lead, co-developer, co-owner, and long-term investment partner, positioning the firm not merely as a builder, but as a steward of Pensacola’s transformation.
“Our partnership model is rooted in collaboration, integrity, and community alignment,” said Homer Auge, President of CCI. “We’re honored to bring our expertise to Pensacola and contribute to a project that will further define the city’s future. This is more than a development—it’s a shared vision for what a thriving waterfront community can be.”
The Dawson Company: A Legacy of Inclusive, High-Impact Projects
Founded on the principle of building communities with purpose, The Dawson Company boasts a legacy of real estate development that spans decades and geographies—from the Gulf Coast to the Northeast and Southeast U.S. Known for creating vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive neighborhoods, Dawson’s portfolio includes landmark projects such as The Banks—an 18-acre mixed-use riverfront district in Cincinnati, Ohio, positioned between the Bengals’ and Reds’ stadiums.
In Pensacola, Dawson’s past developments have already made significant contributions to the urban landscape. These include the Maritime Park Office Building, Southtowne Apartments, the Urban Core Office Building, and the visionary 52 World—a 52-acre mixed-use community designed around the themes of wellness, culture, and connectivity.
Strengthening Pensacola Through Shared Investment and Purpose
What sets this collaboration apart is the deep alignment between CCI, Dawson, and Hendricks Holding Co., led by prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist Diane Hendricks. Hendricks is widely celebrated for her role in revitalizing Beloit’s urban core, transforming the city into a vibrant center for education, innovation, and community life.
Her organization’s ongoing efforts are prominently featured in the new A&E docuseries “Betting on Beloit,” which chronicles the dramatic, people-focused transformation of the once-struggling city.
“The similarities between Beloit and Pensacola are striking,” noted Bowens. “Both are mid-sized cities with rich heritage, strong civic spirit, and untapped potential. Hendricks’ proven ability to deliver impactful transformation makes CCI the ideal partner for this next chapter of Maritime Park.”
Further deepening the ties between the two communities is CCI’s role in constructing the ABC Supply Stadium, home to the Beloit Sky Carp—sister team to Pensacola’s Blue Wahoos, who share both ownership and management. This unique link reinforces the cultural and operational synergy between the partners.
Building a Vision for the Future of Pensacola
Phase One of the Maritime Park redevelopment is designed as a walkable, waterfront destination that integrates hospitality, inclusive housing, entertainment venues, public green spaces, and culturally rooted architecture. The design aims to mirror the natural beauty of Pensacola’s landscape while honoring its multicultural history—from its Indigenous roots to Spanish, French, and British influences.
Anchored by Reverb by Hard Rock Hotel, the district will provide vibrant accommodations for visitors, while Rhythm Lofts will deliver quality housing options that reflect the city’s diverse needs. The entire development is poised to fuel growth across multiple sectors—including tourism, healthcare, and STEM—further positioning Pensacola as a leading coastal city of the future.
“Whether revitalizing existing structures or creating new destinations, we are united by a design-forward, community-centric approach,” added Bowens. “We’re not just building real estate—we’re building places with soul, with meaning, and with staying power.”
A Partnership with Purpose
“This redevelopment is about creating a destination that truly strengthens and serves the Pensacola community—now and for generations to come,” said Diane Hendricks. “We’re honored to be part of a team united by that purpose. I’m especially grateful to Quint Studer for his thoughtful leadership in bringing our teams together, and to The Dawson Company for their trusted partnership. Together, we’re committed to building a place that reflects the vibrant spirit of Pensacola.”
With shovels soon to break ground and blueprints backed by collaboration, innovation, and long-term investment, the new Maritime Park is more than a real estate project—it’s a legacy in the making. For Pensacola, it represents a defining chapter in the city’s evolution, where history, community, and progress converge on the waterfront.
