With the structure rapidly rising above Gamble Street, construction crews are proudly and diligently working to meet the aggressive schedule. “Given the high profile nature of this project and absolute required deadline, we have utilized as many local contractors as possible, further enhancing the overall value of the project,” reported Mark Miller, Project Manager for J. Kokolakis. “We have found the local tradesmen to be quite skilled and a real asset to the project, which has also enhanced the economic benefit to the community,” he said.Overlooking Bragg Memorial Stadium, the new dormitory facilities are intended to create a fresh campus gateway and promote positive patterns for future campus development. Based on a mixed-use model, the design includes several community rooms on each floor and provides university use spaces at ground level. In addition to spaces contained within the structures, the buildings themselves create a series of courtyard spaces culminating in a central plaza, envisioned to become a hub of campus activities overlooking the stadium and campus amenities. The renderings can be viewed on designer of record DAG Architect’s website link:
http://www.dagarchitects.com/#/dorms-famu/.
Known for its cost-effective approach to dorm construction, J. Kokolakis’ price to construct the facility was significantly less than market price. Having constructed dozens of residence halls and barracks for public institutions in New York, Colorado and Florida, JKC is well versed in aggressive approaches to budgetary constraints. With the schedule being so critical on this project, cooperation and teamwork is paramount. “The synergy on this project has been remarkable,” reported J. Kokolakis’ Managing Director Ted Walker. “With the involvement of the State Board of Governors, the FAMU Board of Trustees and their experienced Facilities Department, local design consultants, Clemons-Rutherford Architects and DAG Architects, we have created an alliance driven to provide a housing solution that will be the university’s first choice for the Fall of 2014. JKC utilized a similar approach in its recent success delivering the new $107 million design-build Preparatory School for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Since the firm’s inception in 1972, J. Kokolakis Contracting, Inc. has been committed to exceeding its clients’ expectations in quality, integrity and accountability. Through an unwavering commitment to its core company values, the company has built a solid reputation for providing excellent client service and producing high caliber projects within budget, and on schedule. For more information, visit www.jkokolakis.com. For more information on the FAMU project, contact Ted Walker at (727) 942-2211 or twalker@jkokolakis.com