Moss has acquired Tampa-based Ellison Construction, bringing together two family-founded firms at a moment when scale and local credibility increasingly determine who wins major development work across Tampa Bay.
The acquisition folds Ellison Construction’s team into Moss, expanding capacity in a region where redevelopment, mixed-use projects and long-term infrastructure investment continue to accelerate.
A deal shaped by market reality
Moss described the acquisition as part of a broader strategy to grow selectively in markets where it already has deep relationships and long-term commitments.
Tampa Bay fits squarely into that approach.
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“We’re excited to welcome Ellison Construction’s talented team into Moss,” said Scott Moss, CEO of Moss. “Their values and commitment to quality make them a natural fit with the culture and long-term vision that guide our work.”
In practical terms, the deal gives Moss additional local leadership and project depth in a market where demand for experienced builders has outpaced available capacity.
A builder rooted in Tampa’s evolution
Ellison Construction has played a visible role in Tampa’s transformation over the past decade, with a portfolio that includes Oxford Exchange, Armature Works and Sparkman Wharf.
The firm is known for adaptive reuse and placemaking projects that blend historic context with modern design.
President Cory Ellison will join Moss along with the broader Ellison Construction team.
“This was a thoughtful decision about future growth and what best serves our people and clients,” Ellison said. “We found a partner that values culture, collaboration and the community as much as we do.”
Ellison Construction rebranded from EWI Construction in 2022, a shift that reflected its expansion beyond traditional construction management into advisory and development work as Tampa Bay’s projects grew more complex.
Development and advisory arms remain independent
Ellison Development will continue operating as a separate company, led by CEO Casey Ellison.
The transaction also establishes a strategic construction relationship between Ellison Development and Moss, allowing Ellison leadership to focus more heavily on development and investment activity.
Projects in the pipeline include The Central in St. Petersburg, the Heights Redevelopment in Tampa Heights and The Fletcher District in partnership with the University of South Florida.
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The group has also launched the ARK Ellison fund with Cathie Wood and ARK Invest.
Sam Ellison will continue to lead Ellison Advisors, the firm’s owner’s representative business, which works with clients including the Tampa Museum of Art and the Tampa Theatre.
What Moss gains
For Moss, the acquisition adds a locally embedded team to a national platform that spans construction management, design-build and solar EPC work.
Ellison’s construction team will operate within Moss’ Mid-Florida platform, expanding staffing depth and project capacity across the region.
The firm has remained active across the region, including on large-scale projects such as Gasworx in Ybor City, where Moss recently topped out the Grow Financial office building.
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For developers, the deal reflects a market where scale, execution history and local credibility increasingly determine which firms win complex projects.
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