Construction

Sarasota’s Oscar Scherer Park Adds ADA-Compliant Trail At Lake Osprey

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May 25, 2010

Sarasota County's Oscar Scherer State Park is opening a lakeside nature trail that meets the needs of those who require special accommodations to enjoy its eco-amenities.The half-mile trail circles Osprey Lake and provides ADA-compliant accommodations that include six-foot-wide trails big enough for two passing wheelchairs, guide rails for the visually impaired and a gentle slope that is free of obstructions. The trail itself is laid with marl, a substance comprised of clay and calcium carbonate, that provides the stability of asphalt with the flexibility of sand. The trail also features ADA-friendly benches placed at locations around the lake that provide the best view of the lake and wildlife such as the endangered scrub jay.According to Russell Delaney, president of the Friends of Oscar State Scherer Park, the trail is the first of a four-part series of redevelopment throughout the park that includes installing a littoral shelf along the lake's circumference to enhance shore-bird fishing and survival, a fishing pier and a boardwalk. When the park received a gift of $50,000 from Lee Wetherington Homes, the decision was made to go forward with the trail."We could not have done this without Wetherington," explains Delaney. "Their gift allowed us to start making plans. We already had one ADA-compliant trail. It generated so much interest and gets so much use we decided to tackle this to provide another ADA opportunity for the community. Florida has a lot of sandy trails. And they are not just hard on wheelchairs. They are hard for people with bad knees and young families with strollers. This new trail makes it possible to provide a much larger population with access to the park."Writer: Missy Kavanaugh Source: Russell Delaney, Friends of Oscar Scherer State Park

Latest in Construction

Tampa’s Channelside District Undergoes Upgrades, Widens Sidewalks

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Development News

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May 25, 2010

Tampa's Channelside District is undergoing more changes to provide municipal features that urban dwellers find desirable in their communities. A stormwater drainage system is being installed on York Street that will remove sediment and trash before the water is emptied into the Ybor Channel. Stormwater drainage improvements will continue on Washington Street, where pipelines are being upgraded. The Washington Street project is also widening sidewalks and narrowing roads to improve pedestrian safety. The projects are part of the Channel District Strategic Action Plan initiated by the City of Tampa to guide growth in the Channel District to create a strong, urban neighborhood that emphasizes design quality for private development and public spaces. According to Urban Development Manager Bob McDonough, the action plan is Tampa's response to national trends. "When I was growing up, people would move to where the jobs were. Today a lot of employers will locate to cities that have people who employers will want to employ. What we're seeing in the Channelside District is that residents want an urban environment." McDonough feels Tampa is well-positioned to become a strong magnet for talented professionals. "We'll be one of the only cities in the world with high-speed rail," he says. Orlando and Tampa airports fly to basically anywhere in the world. If you have someone who has to travel domestically or internationally, Tampa is the place to live. We're adding pocket parks, public art and dog parks. These are the types of things urban residents want." "Many of the people moving to this area are environmentally conscious," McDonough continues. "The stormwater projects are vital to protecting the environment and our goals." Writer: Missy Kavanaugh Source: Bob McDonough, City of Tampa

St. Joseph’s $75 Million Expansion Breaks Ground In Tampa

By Matt Spencer

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Buzz

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May 25, 2010

A $75 million expansion for St. Joseph's Women's Hospital in Tampa broke ground in May. The 125,000-square-foot building will house the new neonatal intensive care unit, the Hinks and Elaine Shimberg Breast Center and other women's services. Read the complete story.

New Bar, Pour House At Grand Central, Opens In Channelside In Tampa

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Development News

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May 25, 2010

A bar in Tampa offers something different to connoisseurs of beer and wine. Pour House at Grand Central is now open for business at 1208 E. Kennedy Blvd. and offers a variety of craft beers and new wine labels.Pour House is owned by two couples who combined their passions for craft beer and fine wine. "My wife and I have been into craft beer for a number years," says owner James Vrabel. "My business partners Scott and Heidi Nietzel own Wine Design in Channelside and have an amazing amount of wine knowledge. We partnered to do what we know and are passionate about.''But don't expect to see a menu. "None of us knows anything about running a restaurant so we left it out," explains Vrabel. "You can bring your own food in or we can provide a number of menus to order in. Leave the food to someone who's passionate about it."The partners are very happy with the neighborhood and found that building out the 2,500-square-foot space was easier than anticipated. "We started with a dirt floor on Jan. 1, 2010 and were open on March 20," says Vrabel. "An amazing feat by our general contractor Jason Murray who lives and works in the Channel District. Grand Central did their retail space right since we didn't have to dig up an existing concrete floor to run plumbing or electrical. This made the build-out go quickly. We're all very happy with the results of the build." The restaurant used vendors from throughout the Tampa Bay region to provide furnishings and equipment."We believe in the neighborhood, Vrabel says. "Now we hear a sports bar and maybe a grocery store are coming to Grand Central. That's great for all involved."Writer: Missy KavanaughSource: James Vrabel, The Pour House at Grand Central

Pinellas Community Health Network Opens Women’s Health Center

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Development News

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May 18, 2010

Community Health Centers of Pinellas (CHCP) has opened a Women's Health Center at the Johnnie Ruth Clarke Health Center in St. Petersburg."Staff will be able to focus on the needs of women," says Dr. Marilyn Fudge, assistant medical director of Women's Services. "The Women's Health Center will offer preventive care and education specific to women's issues in a safe and caring environment. Center staff will offer care before, during and after pregnancy."The women's center is funded in part by $1.1 million in federal funding awarded by the American Recovery Reinvestment Act. A 3,800-square-foot addition adds six exam rooms to the existing facility at 1344 22nd St. S., which will be used for family planning, obstetric and gynecological care to the St. Petersburg community."I am pleased to see our federal tax dollars at work," says St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster. "Designed to address the health care needs specific to women in our community, this new clinic will lead to additional health and wellness services available to our Midtown residents."There are five locations in the Community Health Centers network of care across Pinellas County, including Pinellas Park, Clearwater, Largo and Tarpon Springs in addition to the St. Petersburg facility. The $1.1 million in federal funding also will allow the network to upgrade its medical records system.The Johnnie Ruth Clarke Health Center is located on the site where Mercy Hospital once stood. It was the first in the CHCP network of health centers opened and has been serving the community for more than 25 years.Writer: Missy KavanaughSource: Dr. Marilyn Fudge, Community Health Centers of Pinellas

Tampa Mayor Writes Guest Column On Mass Transit

By Matt Spencer

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Buzz

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May 18, 2010

Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio authored a special guest column for the St. Petersburg Times sharing her thoughts on the importance of mass transit. The column mentions the cities with similar sizes of urban populations that have either approved a state tax referendum or have already built a light rail including Dallas, Denver, Phoenix and Salt Lake City. Read the complete column.

USF St. Petersburg Boasts LEED-Certified Science And Technology Building

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Development News

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May 18, 2010

The new Science and Technology Building at USF St. Petersburg has earned a gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council for its energy-efficient design and construction by Creative Contractors of Clearwater. The LEED-certified building, completed in February, has much to offer the community as well as students, says Josh Bomstein, vice president of Creative Contractors, More than half of the materials used to build the facility were locally extracted and manufactured. Eighty-five percent of the waste generated by the building's construction was recycled rather than sent to the landfill, which is equal to 1,159 tons of waste. Crews used the tilt-wall method to erect its walls.The 35,000-square-foot, two-story building, with a gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council, will save nearly $80,000 in energy costs due to its reflective and insulated roof and low-emissivity glass that decreases heat, thus lowering air conditioning in summer and heating costs in winter. In addition, water-efficient fixtures lower water usage by 50 percent, which translates to 94,000 gallons of water saved annually. Florida-friendly landscaping and reclaimed water help keep water usage to a minimum as well.USF St. Petersburg's Harborwalk pedestrian mall unifies what was once a disjointed campus by providing a gathering place in front of a fountain donated by the Sembler family and ample open areas for recreation. Not only is the new mall conducive to walking and biking, but it is conveniently located to bus and trolley lines. Its garage offers preferred parking to energy-efficient vehicles.The Science and Technology Building houses eight classrooms and 13 labs. Lecterns are equipped with smart monitors, and tiered classrooms can be reconfigured to meet the needs of occupants. The building will host classes for the College of Arts & Sciences and labs for marine science research. Writer: Missy Kavanaugh Source: Josh Bomstein, Creative Contractors

White Sand & Sun: Sarasota’s Longboat Key Club Plans Major Redo

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Development News

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May 18, 2010

Sarasota's Longboat Key Club and Resort is planning a major redevelopment if approved by the Longboat Key town commission. The improvements include a LEED-certified, five-star hotel with an additional 196 units, a redesigned golf course and clubhouse, a wellness center and meeting center.Longboat Key Club spokesperson Katherine Songster says the club's redevelopment is vital to Longboat's longevity. "Forty percent of our visitors are repeat guests. Families who come back generation after generation for vacations, weddings and other major family events. And many of them end up buying property, So many of our residents originally came here for a business conference, brought their families back for vacation and then ended up buying a home. By that second or third visit, they fall in love with Longboat and end up buying property here."Songster estimates 500 jobs will be created by the redevelopment project, which will cost $400 million to complete. She says the club is the largest employer on the island, and one of the highest in the Sarasota/Manatee area. The redevelopment has caused some controversy among residents. The club made concessions in its original plan and hopes the new one will be approved at the town commission meeting on June 7, 2010. Fishkind & Associates was hired to analyze the project and its financial effect on the community. "The results were very revealing," says Songster.According to a project brochure, the redeveloped property will generate $17 million over the next 30 years and increase foot traffic on the island, which will in turn increase tourism-related jobs. Construction is estimated to generate $6 million in revenue. Writer: Missy KavanaughSource: Katherine Songster, Longboat Key Club and Resort

Largo Builds LEED-Certified Community Center

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Architecture

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May 11, 2010

Largo is building a new community center at 400 Alternate Keene Road. And the building is slated to earn a gold LEED certification."We were shooting for the silver," says Joan Byrne, director of parks & recreation. "But it looks like we'll be getting the gold. This will be the first building in the city to get the gold rating."According to Brian Usher, director of Largo's public works department, the building's construction employs a tilt-up method that requires that wall concrete be poured into a precast form and then lifted into place after it hardens. This technique increases building efficiency and reduces energy costs. But there is more to the construction that helped earn the gold rating.The building's roof will have solar panels, and its mechanical systems are being designed with control systems that minimize operational costs and maximize efficiency. A rainwater irrigation system is planned, as well as landscaping using drought-hardy plants. The project is also using only local materials.The community center replaces the facility that currently resides in Largo's redevelopment district. "Our current community center had a fire in 1998," explains Byrne. "So this building is a replacement that doubles the size and capacity of the original building."The current community center, at 65 4th St. NW, will close and its location will be offered for urban development. Like its predecessor, the Keene facility will focus primarily on senior recreation and fitness by day and the arts in the afternoon and early evening. It will contain three studios with springboard floors, a ballroom, black box theater and several classrooms, among other amenities."We have had a cultural center with a strong arts program, but no room for classes. This building will provide room for those classes," says Byrne.Writer: Missy KavanaughSource: Joan Byrne, Largo Parks & Recreation; Brian Usher, Largo Public Works

Pane Rustica Evolves: Versatility, Popularity Drive Expansion In South Tampa

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Development News

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May 11, 2010

When Kevin and Karyn Kruszewski moved to Tampa in 1997 to open their business, they envisioned a bakery patterned after Boston's Clear Flour. Thirteen years later, they are expanding their current space at 3225 South MacDill Avenue to accommodate a bar, lounge and private dining area for their Tampa restaurant, Pane Rustica Bakery and Cafe.The couple acquired 2,300 square feet when the business next door downsized its space. About 1,000 square feet will be a bar/lounge area and 1,000 will be for private dining," says Kevin. "We're adding a total of about 100 seats," adds Karen.The target for opening the new space is June. "With construction, it's a moving target," Karyn says. The Kruszewskis say the expansion allows more versatility for their restaurant. "The two spaces will work really well together," says Karyn. "The space can be closed and used for private dining or be opened to the existing dining area to address overflow," Kevin adds. Karyn explains that the additional space will have flat panel televisions that surround the room for business-lunch PowerPoint presentations or to catch the latest weekend college game. "But by no means do we want to become a sports bar," Kevin says. "After researching a lot of other high end restaurants with the same demographic as us, we found that it's nice to have the option. We're also really big on lighting and sound, so lighting will be a big element, too."According to the Kruszewskis, versatility has always been a hallmark of their business. "When we opened in July 1999, I thought we'd be a bakery, but everyone wanted their bread sliced," Kevin says. "And they liked the pastries, but they wanted sandwiches. Sandwiches led to salads, salads led to pizza, which led to all the other changes in the menu. I like to call it culinary Darwinism." Writer: Missy Kavanaugh Sources: Kevin and Karyn Kruszewski, Pane Rustica