And in such benevolence, Sparticus Builders was born.  Home is more than just a shelter.  It's where we plant gardens and put down roots.  Where we take off our coats and stay a long, long while.  If, of course, you have that luxury. 

Despite what you may have read about the booming housing market, less than half of Marion County residents actually own their own homes.  The rest are divided among a growing population of renters and those who live in shared residences with their families simply because home ownership seems too far out of reach.  No matter the reason - a booming "luxury" market forcing home prices into the upper six figures; sky-rocketing insurance costs; big dollar down payments; blemished credit; financially over-extended; no tangible assets - what was once an attainable home ownership market has quickly gone the way of other Florida hot spots. 

For Lan and Oliver Plunkett, that's a disturbing trend.  Having both come to America from other countries, the two know first hand the power of the American Dream.

"It used to be that in America, if you had a dream and believed in the power of possibility, you could do anything," Lan says.  "But if you can't even own your own home, how far can you go?  And more importantly, think about the number of children and families that's affecting..."

"That's where Sparticus Builders comes in," explains Oliver.  "It has nothing to do with lumber, nail, stucco or concrete.  It's a business about people, about giving families a place to grow."  With more than 50 years experience in building and developing, Oliver speaks this truth confidently.  "You have needs, hopes, and goals for your home.  It's about the dream kitchen or dream family room that will, for the first time, allow you to host the entire family this holiday.  Or perhaps it is the dream master bedroom and bathroom that will serve as your ultimate retreat and sanctuary.  We understand and celebrate that. 

"And we want everyone to have that opportunity." 

That is the philosophy behind most of their ventures, beginning with two homes Sparticus Builders recently completed in historic West Ocala that are currently for sale ($115,000 for 1,400 sq. ft.; $125,000 for 1,600 sq. ft.).  Indeed, the resurgence of the historic west side is a community-driven endeavor, one that the Plunkett's are proud of - just as they are proud of their charming, but affordable housing development named Rainbow Park.

"Rainbow Park is just the place, the opportunity, we've decided to give Ocala to attain their own American Dream,"  says Oliver.