Meet Our New Board Member John Planz, Suffolk Construction
Bakehouse is thrilled to welcome John Planz (JP), Florida District President of Suffolk Construction, to our Board of Directors. JP, as he is known, brings deep expertise in construction, real estate development, and community partnerships– support that will be vital as we advance our future campus redevelopment, ensuring our goals are achievable and financially viable. Suffolk’s recent work on FUTURE, part of Bakehouse at Forty, reflects their shared commitment to the art and craft of building. The additional great news is that we also will gain the expertise of Eilzabeth Hevia, Senior Manager of Business Development at Suffolk, who has been an active supporter of Bakehouse.
Bakehouse is excited to announce the appointment of John Planz (JP), Florida District President of Suffolk Construction, to our Board of Directors. JP plays a pivotal role in overseeing the company’s operations across the region. With a robust background in construction management, John has been instrumental in guiding numerous high-profile projects such as Brickell City Center and Miami World Center, among others. His expertise lies in project delivery, budget management, and fostering strong client relationships. Known for his strategic approach and innovative thinking, JP is dedicated to driving efficiencies while ensuring high-quality outcomes for each project. His commitment to community engagement and support further underscores his professional ethos, making him a respected leader in the construction industry. His expertise will be invaluable as we navigate the future campus redevelopment project.
In alignment with this announcement, we would also like to highlight the remarkable work Suffolk Construction has undertaken in support of the Bakehouse. Recently, they generously donated services to build FUTURE, a component of Bakehouse at Forty, designed and curated by Michael Maltzan Architecture on our future campus, presently on view at Bakehouse.
John shared, “Constructing FUTURE marked a meaningful shift for Suffolk, allowing us to apply the same rigor and precision used on major South Florida projects — including the Integrated Command and Communications Center at Lightspeed — to a project rooted purely in artistry and designed for cultural impact. This effort went beyond executing a design; we helped bring to life a creative vision for an institution that plays a vital role in Miami’s cultural community.”
Elizabeth Hevia, another executive at Suffolk Construction also maintains an active role at Bakehouse and as part of the FUTURE team, commented “Being part of a cultural installation like this is incredibly energizing. It is both exciting and meaningful to contribute something that honors the Bakehouse’s past while looking boldly toward its future.”
The work done by Suffolk Construction not only contributes to the artistic vision of Bakehouse but also strengthens our relationship with the community. Their dedication reflects our shared mission to support artists, advance affordable housing, and foster cultural development.
Please join us in welcoming JP to the Bakehouse Board of Directors, as we continue our vision to inspire creativity, foster artistic expression, and build a vibrant community together.