Parsons-Odebrecht Honored for Diversity in Joint Venture Contracting

The Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners recognized Parsons-Odebrecht Joint Venture of Miami for its efforts to promote diversity and the success of small businesses in the $700-million South Terminal Expansion at the Miami International Airport. The recognition was based on the firm's outreach and mentoring program that has drawn small and minority-owned businesses into one of the airport's largest projects to date.

Miami-Dade commissioner Dorrin Rolle proclaimed March 3 to be Parsons-Obrecht Joint Venture Day, saying the firm has a highly effective small business program and exceeded all designated goals. The ceremony was held in Fort Lauderdale during the South Florida Business Journal's 2005 Diversity Works Awards.

Florida Contract Activity Improves 1 Percent in February

The overall value of February contracts for future construction in Florida increased by 1 percent over the same period of a year ago, McGraw-Hill Construction reported recently.

In February, the value of residential contracts improved by 8 percent to total nearly $3.5 billion for the month, up from last year's $3.2 billion. Nonbuilding starts also increased, by 11 percent, to total roughly $589.9 million, compared to last year's $533.6 million. Continuing a downward slide, the value of nonresidential contracts declined 33 percent to tally $541.8 million, well below last February's approximately $813.8 million total.

For the year-to-date, Florida activity is valued at approximately $9.3 billion, or about 7 percent of the same period of a year ago. The nonresidential category is off by 31 percent, totaling approximately $1.2 billion. The value of nonbuilding contracts, estimated at nearly $1.1 billion, is 28 percent ahead of the 2004 pace. Residential is approximately 14 percent ahead of the first two months of 2004, with a cumulative value of roughly $7 billion.

Tower Group Making Waves in Fort Lauderdale

The Tower Group of Davie was named as general contractor for a 21-story mixed-use tower in Fort Lauderdale, scheduled to begin in May. The project, known as the Waves, will feature 75 loft-style condominiums, a wall aquarium, orchid garden and fitness center.

Project Will Ensure Safe Wastewater Treatment

The Haskell Co. of Jacksonville recently broke ground on a new wastewater treatment system in Layton. Scheduled for completion in January 2006, the project will serve residents, businesses and a state park on Long Key. The system will bring the area into compliance with advanced wastewater treatment standards set by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to be enacted by 2010.

Fort Lauderdale Gives Go-ahead for New Condo

Southpoint Realty Development of Fort Lauderdale received approval from the Fort Lauderdale City Commission to begin construction on Strada 315, a $38 million condominium development scheduled for occupancy in spring 2007. The 20-story project will offer specially-appointed residences ranging from the low $200,000s to $600,000.

Joint Venture Will Combine Condo with Marina in Jacksonville

Hines of Jacksonville announced that design has begun on a joint venture with the South Shore Group to develop a high-rise condominium in downtown Jacksonville. The Riverpoint project, estimated at $100 million, will offer 300 units, a 120-slip marina and an extension to the Southbank Riverwalk. Ground breaking is expected in early 2006.

Catalfumo Begins In-Place Replacement of Middle School

Catalfumo Construction of Palm Beach Gardens will begin the phased replacement of the Boca Raton Community Middle School. The project will include the replacement of existing buildings by new single- and two-story structures which will accommodate 1,400 students. The school will remain in full operation while the work is in progress. Work is scheduled to be completed in 2007.

Keene Construction Begins Work on Pelican Bay Project

Orlando-based Keene Construction Co. is busy on a $25 million renovation of the Waterside Shops at Pelican Bay in Naples. The project is scheduled for completion in November when the 190,000-sq.-ft mixed retail center will fully reopen for business.

Ocean Side Development Under Construction at Jacksonville Beach

The Stellar Group of Jacksonville has started construction of The Tower, a seven-story, 54,200-sq.-ft condominium complex to be known as Serena Point. The two-phase project will consist of units priced from $700,000 to $900,000. Completion is scheduled for summer 2006.

Jacksonville Adds to Booming Business Construction

W.G. Pitts Co. of Jacksonville was selected for preconstruction services and management of Hampton Professional Park in Jacksonville. The 43,000-sq.-ft. condominium-style office park will consist of three buildings designed by Powers Design Architects and will be located only minutes from the new St. Johns Town Center.

Florida Subcontractor Receives Prestigious ABC Award

Tri-City Electrical Contractors of Orlando received the National Associated Builders and Contractors Eagle Award for Excellence in Construction for its work on the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes resort. Tri-City's multimillion-dollar contract for the 15-story, 584-room resort was performed for Hunt Construction. The firm was the only Florida subcontractor to receive the award.

NationsRent Named Link-Belt Distributor in Florida

NationsRent of Fort Lauderdale was named as an authorized distributor of Link-Belt excavators and material handling equipment in Florida. The company will provide full customer and product support in multiple locations, including a range of purchase and rental options.

Structural Preservation Systems Acquires Aquashield

Aquashield of Fort Lauderdale, specializing in waterproofing and concrete restoration, has been acquired by Structural Preservation Systems with offices in Fort Lauderdale and Tampa. SPS provides systems and technologies to build, repair and strengthen concrete, steel, masonry, timber and soils.