Our History

Essex Construction grew out of the proven foundation of Fountain Pools, a pool construction company known for hands-on craftsmanship, technical knowledge, and dependable project execution. After Fountain Pools was acquired in 2019 by Wheat, Durko, Richter, Inc., the organization continued to expand its capabilities, relationships, and construction resources across residential, commercial, aquatic, amenity, and outdoor environments.

As the company’s work grew beyond pool construction into broader commercial and specialty construction services, Essex Construction was created as a natural spin-off of Fountain Pools. Today, both Essex Construction and Fountain Pools are owned by Wheat, Durko, Richter, Inc., allowing each company to serve its market with focused expertise while sharing the strength, leadership, resources, and operational discipline of a larger construction organization.

This history gives Essex Construction a unique foundation. We understand the precision, coordination, and field execution required in pool, water feature, amenity, and outdoor environment construction, and we bring that same level of detail to commercial buildings, tenant build-outs, renovations, clubhouses, multifamily support, sitework, hardscapes, and specialized construction projects. What began with a strong background in pool construction has grown into a broader commercial construction platform built to support owners, developers, builders, property managers, architects, and project partners from concept to completion.

Together, Essex Construction and Fountain Pools have completed more than 8,000 residential and commercial projects. The organization has grown into a $50 million-plus construction operation with more than 150 employees and integrated in-house capabilities across excavation, structural work, plumbing, finishes, and field supervision. This depth of experience allows Essex Construction to deliver projects with greater control, stronger coordination, and a clear focus on schedule, budget, quality, and accountability.

At Essex Construction, we believe every successful project starts with a strong foundation of trust, communication, and craftsmanship. We know that each project represents more than materials, schedules, and budgets. It represents a client’s vision, investment, and future. That is why our team focuses on clear communication, dependable service, thoughtful coordination, and practical problem-solving from the earliest planning stages through final delivery.

Our work is guided by integrity, safety, precision, and pride in the craft. Whether working on commercial developments, amenity centers, clubhouses, renovations, build-outs, or specialized construction projects, Essex Construction is committed to building functional, lasting spaces that align with each client’s goals. We value collaboration with owners, architects, designers, subcontractors, suppliers, and project partners, knowing that strong relationships lead to stronger outcomes.

At our core, we are builders. Essex Construction carries forward the hands-on construction heritage of Fountain Pools while expanding that foundation into a full-service commercial construction platform. Together under Wheat, Durko, Richter, Inc., Essex Construction and Fountain Pools continue to build spaces, relationships, and lasting confidence through work that reflects care, quality, and commitment.