April 30, 2008

photo by John Stuart, P.E.

First Walls Erected for FKEC's New Tavernier Facilities

The first poured concrete "tilt" walls were erected today for FKEC's new storm hardened facilities on its existing bayside property in Tavernier.

The building is being constructed by Overholt Construction Corporation, Miami. The contractor is using tilt-up construction where the building's walls are poured directly at the jobsite in large slabs of concrete. These panels are then raised into position around the building's perimeter forming the exterior walls. Tilt-up construction is faster and less expensive than traditional masonry construction.

For a time lapse slide show of the construction to date, click here.

For more construction information, click here.

In October 2007, FKEC entered into a contract for $13,667,134 to construct a storm hardened warehouse/office complex to replace existing storm-vulnerable buildings. Once complete, all of the company's Upper Keys operations will be located in the three-story structure on the same side of U.S. 1. The expected completion date is in the Spring of 2009.

"The most significant benefit of this new facility will be its ability to withstand a major hurricane," said CEO Scott Newberry. "Our bucket trucks, equipment and materials will all be stored inside to avoid damage so we'll be ready to restore power after a storm strikes. Our design also includes flexible space to house and feed outside restoration crews if necessary."

The new facility was designed to improve FKEC's service to its 31,000 members by combining features for category five hurricane preparedness and survivability, operational efficiency and safety, and energy efficiency and conservation.

For the groundbreaking press release, click here.