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Fontainbleau Overflows with Renovation and Construction

Aventura-based Turnberry Associates recently announced that it will purchase the world-renowned Fontainbleau Hilton in Miami Beach. After acquisition, Turnberry will launch a two-year, $150 million project that will include the addition of new amenities such as restaurants, Vegas-style entertainment facilities, health spa, and a complete overhaul of the hotel's meeting/banquet and public space.

The purchase follows on the heels of Turnberry's ongoing joint venture with Fontainbleau's soon-to-be former owner, Stephen Muss, to construct two condominium towers, Fontainbleu II and III, on the resort's 18-acre property.

Florida Contract Activity Up 14 Percent in January

The overall value of January contracts for future construction in Florida increased by 14 percent over the same period of a year ago, McGraw-Hill Construction reported recently.

In January, the value of residential contracts jumped by 23 percent to total nearly $3.6 billion for the month, up from $2.9 billion a year ago. Nonbuilding starts also increased significantly, by 59 percent, to total roughly $494.7 million, compared to last year's $311.6 million. The non-residential category declined 26 percent to tally $717.6 million, well below last January's $975.3 million total.

Navy Docks With KBR for Hurricane Repairs

KBR, a subsidiary of Texas-based Halliburton, is one of four contractors selected by the Southern Division Naval Facilities Engineering Command to perform hurricane-related repairs to military installations in Northwest Florida. KBR's initial task order is valued at approximately $2.5 million for work at Naval Air Station Pensacola. The four contractors will compete for follow-on task orders in a repair/renovation program that Navy officials say should not exceed $350 million.

Besides Pensacola, the contracts will cover work at Corry Station, Naval Surface Warfare Center Coastal Systems Station in Panama City, Naval Air Station Whiting Field, and outlying airfields in the Northwest Florida panhandle.

Development to Begin on Aventura's Last Waterfront Property

Catalfumo Construction of Palm Beach Gardens is set to begin immediate construction on one of the last remaining waterfront properties in Aventura.

The four-acre site, to be known as The Atrium at Aventura, will feature a two-tower, 192-unit condominium complex. The development derives its name from an 11-story glass-enclosed atrium, and a tropical pool complex. It is estimated condominium models will be priced at an average of $600,000 per unit.

Construction Underway at New Fort Myers Condo Community

Pine Ridge Real Estate and JWR Construction, both of Deerfield Beach, broke ground in mid-January at one of Fort Myers' newest private condominium communities. The development will feature multi-story buildings clustered around a central lake and private clubhouse, pool and landscaped beach. The 116-unit gated community is scheduled for completion in spring 2007.

Florida Hospital Gets New Tower

The Robins & Morton Group of Orlando will add a $43 million bed tower to Florida Hospital East Orlando. The four-story, 199,750-sq.-ft. facility is scheduled for completion in December 2006. In addition to creating a new look to the hospital's entrance area, the tower will expand the diagnostic imaging, cardiology and patient financial service areas.

Skanska Gets Nod for Healthcare Facility

Skanska USA Building of Orlando was awarded the construction management services contract to build a new 16,400-sq. ft. healthcare facility adjacent to the Pinellas County Jail in Clearwater. Skanska's role will comprise approximately $22.5 million in the project's overall estimated price of $30 million. When completed, the facility will include 432 beds and clinical, dental, mental health and pharmacy areas for both male and female inmates.

ACI Tops Out Ginn Co. Condominium

ACI of Tampa held a topping-out ceremony for Admiral Cove @ Harbor Village Marina, a condominium developed by The Ginn Co. in Palm Coast. ACI is the construction manager for the $22 million building which is part of the Harbor Village Marina development. The 300,000-sq.-ft. structure will house 88 residential units when completed in October.

Condominium Construction Underway on Longboat Key

Initial work has begun on the Grand Mariner development on Longboat Key. When completed, it will feature 14 three-bedroom condominiums, 20 boat slips and deep-water docks accommodating yachts up to 70 ft. The site is being developed by Chicago-based Terrapin Properties. The firm specializes in urban and suburban real estate.

Sun to Rise on New Lifestyle Center

The Stiles Corp. of Fort Lauderdale announced plans to develop the Gateway Shoppes at Sawgrass on a 25-acre parcel in Sunrise. Described as a lifestyle center, the development will feature retail, restaurants and outdoor dining. Stiles currently owns the land and has petitioned for project approval from the City of Sunrise.

Production Begins on Theatre Complex

DeBartolo Development of Tampa, known for real estate and shopping center development, recently announced plans to build a 15-screen theatre in Clermont next to an existing shopping center at Tuscany Village.

The project is expected to be completed in spring 2006 and is part of DeBartolo's agreement with Rave Motion Pictures of Dallas.

Haskell Hits the Books for Villages' New Library

The Haskell Co. of Jacksonville has been hired to design and build a new 6,303 sq.-ft. library at The Villages, a predominately retirement community located at the juncture of Sumter, Lake and Marion counties.

The nearly $1.1 million structure, scheduled to be completed this July, will ultimately be donated as a community library to Sumter County and will be the 10th project Haskell has built for The Villages.

Summit Contractors Awarded Florida Project

Summit Contractors of Jacksonville will construct a multi-residential facility in Spring Hill. The complex will consist of 22 buildings containing 176 units of wood-framed housing, a clubhouse and swimming pool.

Creative Builds Golfer's Delight in Pasco County

Creative Contractors of Clearwater was awarded a $3.8 million contract to construct a 10,870-sq.-ft. clubhouse at the Champions Club, a golf course community in Pasco County.

Work began in January and is scheduled for completion in early 2006. The clubhouse will include two tennis courts and a heated competition swimming pool.