Danto Builders Residential Project – Building A Custom Forever Home
In the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s Sunrise Intracoastal neighborhood, a remarkable custom home project is taking shape and Danto Builders has the honor and privilege to manage the design build process of this very special project. This isn’t just another luxury residence — it’s the realization of a lifelong dream and a testament to the power of roots, vision, and collaborative design.
A Story 50 Years in the Making
For Scott Russell, the journey to his dream home began in 1972 when his parents purchased a house in Fort Lauderdale. “I grew up in Fort Lauderdale until I left for college and lived all over the world until 10 years ago,” Scott shared. “I came back to take care of my sick mother.”
After his mother’s passing last year, Scott inherited the house, which was roughly 75 years old and largely not updated. The easier path would have been to sell and buy elsewhere, but for Scott, Sunrise Intracoastal wasn’t just a neighborhood — it was home.
“It’s a gated community, and I can walk to the beach, the neighbors are very friendly, and it’s safe,” Scott said. “I just didn’t want to live anywhere else.”
The Vision
With the decision to stay, Scott embarked on an ambitious project to create his ideal home. “The exciting part of designing and building a home is that you can customize it to fit your needs,” he explained. He spent countless hours researching homes worldwide, ultimately deciding on a single-story modern home with minimalist interior design and low-maintenance landscaping.
Choosing the Right Team
In an area “notorious for unscrupulous contractors,” as Scott put it, finding the right team was crucial. “Craig and Debbie Danto at Danto Builders were highly recommended to me as people who were honest and had Midwestern values,” Scott recalled. “I knew the first time I met them that they were professional, detail-oriented, and trustworthy.”
Debbie Danto, owner of Danto Builders, recognized the unique opportunity this project presented. “When Scott reached out to us, we knew this was right up our alley,” Debbie said. “He wanted a unique modern design with clean lines and clean finishes, which fits perfectly with what we love to do.”
Assembling the Dream Team
To bring Scott’s vision to life, Danto Builders assembled a team of top-tier designers. At the helm of the architectural design is Strang Architects, known for their innovative approach to modern Florida architecture.
“An architect friend of mine summed it up by saying, ‘All of these architects will do a good job. Strang will cost more, but they will exceed your expectations,'” Scott said. “I also felt that Strang and Danto would be the strongest team in terms of communication and collaboration.”
Key Features of the Russell Home
Scott’s vision for his new home is clear and purposeful:
- Single-Story Accessibility: “A single-story house is more practical as you get older,” Scott explained. “You never know what the future will bring health-wise, and I didn’t want to be forced to sell my house in the future because of age-related mobility issues.”
- Indoor-Outdoor Living: Large sliding glass doors and consistent flooring will blur the lines between inside and out. “When you open the sliding doors, it would expand the kitchen/dining/living area, and it would be hard to discern where the indoor area ended and the outdoor area began,” Scott described.
- Backyard Oasis: “Since the house is not on the water, I wanted the pool and waterfall to serve as a combination pool/visual centerpiece: part pool and part fountain,” Scott said.
- Low-Maintenance Landscaping: The yard will feature artificial turf, trees that don’t shed, and a garden of rocks and succulents.
- Spa-Like Primary Bathroom: It will feature a standing tub, oversized shower with multiple heads, and luxurious stone finishes.
- Modern Aesthetics: Clean lines and a seamless flow will characterize the overall design.
- Smart-Home Integration: The house will be equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, shading, AV, and security systems.
- Energy Efficiency: Careful consideration has gone into the building envelope and HVAC system design to optimize performance.
A Collaborative Approach
What sets this project apart is the highly collaborative approach between the design team, Danto Builders, and Scott himself. This design-build method allows for real-time problem-solving and optimization throughout the process.
“We’re working really well with Strang,” Debbie said. “We’re there working with the design team the whole way through. We have a mechanical contractor in our office that the design team consults with. It’s a great cooperative effort.”
Looking Ahead
While the project is still in the design phase, with construction documents nearing completion, the excitement is palpable. The demolition of the existing structure is slated to begin soon, making way for this stunning new residence.
“We’re really making his dream house come true and his vision come true,” Debbie enthused. “And so far, I know he’s very happy.”
The Russell home is more than just a construction project — it’s a prime example of how personal history, thoughtful design, and a client-focused approach can come together to create something truly special. As Fort Lauderdale’s skyline continues to evolve, this home will stand as a testament to the power of modern architecture and the enduring appeal of a well-designed, personalized living space.
Stay tuned for updates as this exciting project progresses from blueprint to reality.
Danto Builders is excited to help you create your dream home. As an experienced general contractor, Danto Builders has been building in the South Florida area for over 40 years. If you are looking for quality and reliable work, contact Danto Builders at (954) 229-2006.