burkhardt_construction

AIA Palm Beach Names Burkhardt Construction Large Builder of the Year

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 18:56:20 GMT

2014 AIA Palm Beach Design & Honor Awards

Large Builder of the Year - Burkhardt Construction, Inc.

William Mignoga Memorial Scholarship - Mary Wissinger - University of Miami

Educator of the Year - Dharmesh Patel - Palm Beach State College

John Stetson, FAIA Award - David Chase, AIA

Landscape Architect of the Year - Jon E. Schmidt & Associates

Consulting Firm of the Year - Civil Design, Inc.

Small Builder of the Year - Puzzitiello Builders

Associate Member of the Year - Heather Appell, Assoc. AIA

Bob Graham Architectural Awareness Award - Paul Schofield, Village of Wellington

Craftsman Award - Billy Pike, Paris Furnishings

Bradley Park Receives Preservation Award

Fri, 18 May 2018 04:00:00 GMT

On Friday, May 18th, the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach’s Bradley Park Beautification project was recognized for Meritorious Achievement in the field of Infill Design by the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation at its 40th Anniversary conference in Jacksonville. The award acknowledges a successful new construction or reconstruction project that appropriately fills a gap in the streetscape and is compatible within its context, or the redevelopment of a site that is sensitive to its surrounding built environment. The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation is the statewide nonprofit dedicated to protecting Florida’s extraordinary heritage and history. Founded in 1978, the Florida Trust has collaborated to save irreplaceable Florida treasures like the Historic Florida Capitol and is a statewide partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Over the past thirty-eight years, the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach has played a vital role in many projects that have enhanced the picturesque nature of Palm Beach. In addition to funding historic restorations like Town Hall, the organization has created urban “green space” through the construction of the Mediterranean Revival-style Earl E. T. Smith Park and Pan’s Garden, a botanical garden consisting of over 300 native Florida plant species. The beautification of Bradley Park is the largest landscape the Foundation has improved.

Completed in December of 2017, the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach's $2.7 million beautification project at Bradley Park was the result of a public-private partnership with the Garden Club of Palm Beach and Town of Palm Beach. The project activates a formerly underutilized 4.4-acre public park located on the town's historic main street and showcases its historic and natural features. Formerly the location of Colonel E. R. Bradley's Beach Club and personal residence, the land was donated to the town in 1946. The Gilded Age buildings were demolished with the exception of the historic tea house and Artemis fountain. Previously lacking a comprehensive landscape design, the refreshed park is now a gathering place and a source of pride for the community that marks the northernmost entrance to the town. The project encompasses every aspect of the Preservation Foundation's mission to preserve the architectural and cultural heritage and unique scenic quality of Palm Beach.

Burkhardt Construction Wins Build Florida 2018 Project of the Year Award

Thu, 22 Feb 2018 05:00:00 GMT

Memorial Fountain Restoration Project Receives 2017 AWPA Project of the Year Award

Thu, 27 Jul 2017 04:00:00 GMT

The Memorial Fountain Restoration project in Palm Beach received a 2017 American Public Works Association Project of the Year Award in the Historical Restoration/Preservation category.

Palm Beach's Mizner Fountain named 'project of the year'

Tue, 14 Mar 2017 04:00:00 GMT

The restoration of the Addison Mizner Memorial Fountain in Town Square has been named the historic preservation “project of the year” by the Florida chapter of the American Public Works Association. It is one of about 30 Florida projects that will be considered for a national award, Don Jacobovitz, chairman of the Florida Chapter’s awards committee, said Monday. Historic preservation and restoration is one of more than 60 award categories in which projects can be considered.

“This one was especially interesting, with all the intricacies and the fact they had to bring in experts from all over North America to restore this fountain,” Jacobovitz said. “They took it apart into pieces, trucked it to Ontario, and put it back together.”

Designed by Addison Mizner, the 1929 double-bowl cast stone fountain was deteriorating and needed restoration and reconstruction. Portions were worn away — especially artistic details on the four mystical horses of the sea, known as hippocamps. The town sought to conserve as much of the original fountain as possible; it was accomplished through a careful dismantling of the fountain, simultaneous restoration of the hippocamps in Canada, reconstruction of other key elements in Delray Beach, and onsite work to rebuild the lower basin.

The town’s Centennial Commission chose the restoration of the fountain as its legacy project in 2011. Bill Bone chaired the commission’s effort to raise more than $1 million in donations to help pay for the $1.5 million fountain restoration. The project was the starting point of the $5.7 million Town Square renovation that began in February 2015 and was completed in December.

The fountain restoration team included Kimley-Horn & Associates; Burkhardt Construction; conservator Mark Rabinowitz with Conservation Solutions; Hedrick Brothers; Clifford Restoration; Premier Stoneworks; Bridges, Marsh & Associates; SMI Landscape Architecture; Wojcieszak and Associates; and Research Atlantica.

Chartered in the United States in 1937, the American Public Works Association has 63 chapters in North America, which includes eight chapters in Canada.

The national winners will probably be known in a month, Jacobovitz said. The Florida Chapter awards will be given out at a May 11 dinner in Tallahassee.

- See more at: http://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/news/local/palm-beach-mizner-fountain-named-project-the-year/MewMvYnef6XwAYeDYQsGNI/

Burkhardt Construction Wins a 2015 Build Florida Award

Tue, 08 Mar 2016 05:00:00 GMT

B.F. James and South City Beach Parks Featured in the FRPA Journal

Tue, 08 Dec 2015 05:00:00 GMT

South City Beach Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Hallandale Beach

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 05:00:00 GMT

South City Beach Park is Complete!

Hundreds of residents turned out under sunny skies Sunday, March 1, for the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting at South City Beach Park in Hallandale Beach. Located at 1870 S. Ocean Drive, South City Beach had been closed for a 13-month, $4.36 million renovation. The park was re-opened on time and $100,000 under budget.

Memorial Fountain deconstructed as part of a $1.54M restoration

Thu, 19 Feb 2015 05:00:00 GMT

The dismantling of iconic Memorial Fountain is nearly complete.

The fountain, which was built in 1929 using concrete mixed with crushed coral, has been patched a few times in the past few decades. But the Town Council approved a $1.54 million restoration of the fountain last year after expert analysis revealed extensive deterioration. The project also includes repairing the reflecting pool as well as upgrading electrical and mechanical systems for both.

On Tuesday, workers removed the upper stem of the Addison Mizner-designed fountain. The next day, crews removed the large upper bowl and the west-facing hippocamp, or horse of the sea, as a crane pulled those elements above the scaffolding surrounding Memorial Park’s upper terrace and lowered them to the ground. The remaining three hippocamps were removed Thursday.

Workers plan to reuse the four torsos of the hippocamps and recast their finned hooves and other detailed areas.

The fountain’s bowls, stem and walls will go into storage and recast those elements.

The large bowl was cracked and worn at the edges, Palm Beach architect Mark Marsh noticed Wednesday before that bowl was removed.

“It’s lost all the detailing. There’s no way the water could spill over” properly, Marsh said.

Premier Stoneworks of Delray Beach will clean the pieces that are going into storage.

Separating the first hippocamp from the fountain stem Wednesday took more than four hours. Crews had to work around wood braces supporting them, but more challenging was the unanticipated connection points between the hippocamps and the stem of the fountain, said Tony Sabatino, project manager for project engineering firm Burkhardt Construction. A worker with Mulford Enterprises used a wet saw to slice through the horizontal and vertical connecting points.

“There was a vast amount of rebar (metal support) that was inside the hippocamp, along the bridge bone area and/or the rib-cage area where everything had to be sawed out,” Sabatino said. The team had an easier time removing the other three hippocamps, which each weigh about 1,700 pounds, on Thursday.

“We’ve come across a few hurdles that we had to cross that were unexpected, but, all in all, everything is going quite well and we are on schedule,” Sabatino said.

Burkhardt is working with general contractor Hedrick Brothers Construction on the project. The two companies worked together on the $15.8 million Worth Avenue streetscape renovation, which was completed in 2011.

Marsh created the plan to renovate Memorial Park and the Town Hall Square Historic District, with considerable community input and the aid of landscape designer Jorge Sanchez of SMI Landscape Architecture.

Last fall, the Town Council separated the project into two parts to allow the fountain restoration to start as soon as possible. Phase 2 includes placing large canopy trees on the east and west sides of the fountain, installing two rows of shade trees with benches to the south of the fountain and upgrading the sidewalks in that two-block area of County Road, among other changes. That phase will start after the community raises $1 million toward its cost.

- See more at: http://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/news/news/local/deconstructing-history/nkFP2/#sthash.ZSfLUv5h.dpuf

Mount Dora was featured in Florida Planning

Wed, 04 Feb 2015 05:00:00 GMT

Burkhardt Construction Wins a 2014 Build Florida Award

Wed, 03 Dec 2014 05:00:00 GMT

Final phase of Lakefront Park to open Saturday

Tue, 28 Oct 2014 04:00:00 GMT

Four years and $34 million later, the last phase of Kissimmee Lakefront Park will be finished by week’s end.

The fences started coming down Wednesday, and by Saturday the park will be fully open to the public. The renovation – the largest capital improvement project ever undertaken by the city – has completely revamped the 18-acre property along the north shore of Lake Tohopekaliga in downtown Kissimmee.

The last segment to open on the southwest side near Big Toho Marina includes 52 new boat slips, an event lawn, a playground and a splash park, a wide lakefront promenade and the “lighthouse point” peninsula. It complements and connects to Ruby Plaza, a civic lawn, another playground and two fishing piers that opened over the past two years during the completion of the first two phases.

Burkhardt Construction will pack up its kit and crew Friday, but city workers will continue to put the finishing touches on the park over the next few months until its grand opening in January, said Dan Loubier, director of Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities. Loubier can speak to most every detail of the park’s design and concept – from the NFL-grade AstroTurf on the playground to the wheelchair-accessible boat slips. He even delights in pointing out the little details, such as the squirrel carved under a recycled-wood slide. “It’s the details that make a park great,” he said.

Informational signs reveal snippets of the storied history of Kissimmee and Lake Tohopekaliga, including the pioneers and native Seminole tribes that got here long before Walt Disney. All the foliage and landscaping have been designed from native species. And the architectural details are reminiscent of the first Florida style “cracker” houses built when the area was settled in the late 19th century. “We wanted to reintroduce the culture and heritage into this final phase,” Loubier said. “We wanted the park to tell a story.” It’s been a labor of love, said Loubier, who has helped shape the new Kissimmee Lakefront Park from the beginning. The project has stayed on budget and on time, he added.

Now a “jewel” for all to enjoy, the park could have gone the way of high-end residential development a decade ago when city officials began entertaining the idea of an overhaul. The city instead opted to stay true to the public park concept and based much of the massive renovation on input from public hearings. “People said they wanted access to the lake, bike paths, concession stands, playgrounds, so we gave them what they wanted,” Loubier said. “This is the epitome of how a public project should work.”

And judging by the way people have been flocking to the already open section of the park, it’s getting good use.

Most of the 15 covered pavilions with grills, tables, electricity and ceiling fans – which can be rented for $75 a day – are booked on the weekends for months in advance. Some even have fireplaces, although those interested in using them must hire a city worker to tend to the stoking duties. The grills can be used without special permission.

What’s just as heartening as the park’s popularity is the way people are taking care of it, said Loubier.

There are more than 70 free events in the park each year, and the city is working on developing more programming, from environmental classes for students to yoga in the park, Loubier said. “This is definitely the peoples’ park,” he said.

Pompano Beach Boulevard was Featured in Landscape Architect and Specifier News

Tue, 19 Aug 2014 04:00:00 GMT

August 2014 issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News where Pompano Beach Boulevard is featured.

LandscapeOnline.com features The Pompano Beach Streetscape and Dune Enhancement

Wed, 06 Aug 2014 04:00:00 GMT

Pompano Beach: Streetscape and Dune Enhancement Landscape Architecture by EDSA

Working with the Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), EDSA led a multidisciplinary team of consultants tasked to create a plan for the beach environment and a remodeled streetscape along Florida’s Pompano Beach Boulevard. The master plan streetscape and dune enhancement has been the catalyst for a new family feel for this beach community.

Changing a blighted beachfront environment into a public resort destination was the challenge faced by the city of Pompano Beach Fla. This beach city (pop. 102,984), tucked between Deerfield Beach to the north and Fort Lauderdale to the south, is part of the greater Miami metro area (pop. 5,564,635). The city is home to the Goodyear blimp (‘Spirit of Innovation’), although that’s about to be replaced by the “state-of-the-art NT blimp.” If you're curious about the city’s name, it derives from the short-snouted game fish commonly caught off the coast, the pompano (Trachinotus carolinus). Pompano is also home to the only preserved Indian burial mound in Broward County, which was recently put on the National Register of Historic Places. Ancestors of the Tequesta Indians, as far back as 500 A.D., are buried here.

Pompano Beach and the East Community Redevelopment Agency had been unsuccessful in the revitalization of their beachfront. The city had not effectively capitalized on their most significant natural resource—the beach. With new leadership for the city and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), and with the assistance of EDSA, Inc., the landscape architect, they jointly created and executed a new vision for a three-quarter of a mile beachfront corridor. The purpose of the project was to stimulate activity along the beach, and craft a vibrant and uniquely branded oceanfront promenade.

BEFORE

The terminus of Atlantic Boulevard was a blighted parking lot on the beach. This same spot is now a gateway lawn and plaza. The design intent for the beachfront promenade was a monolithic surface. It is white porcelain cement with a variety of aggregate finishes—shells in some places, and circles of glass elsewhere. With water and power infrastructure included as amenities, the lawn was configured for everyday use and special events. Wild date palms (Phoenix sylvestris) are in the foreground, with a groundcover of ‘Beach’ Verbena maritima, a native to the coastline and a good dune stabilizer.

Public Cooperation

As one of the most strategic initiatives in Pompano, the project included the public and a variety of stakeholders and consensus building meetings for those with a vested interest in the revitalization of the area. The project was intended to supplement the existing federal “beach nourishment” (sand replacement) program, a key component of current upland beach redevelopment plans proposed by the city. Maintaining a wide beach reduces storm damage to coastal structures.

Without the support of the CRA Board and city commission, this project may not have happened, or some elements may not have been incorporated. The East CRA advisory committee played an intricate role as representatives of the community, and provided valuable input throughout the design work. The construction consultant implemented the building improvements and was instrumental in managing activities, including coordinating work while city events took place. The city’s project manager was the liaison between the city, CRA, design team, contractors, advisory boards, local resident groups and other government agencies.

BEFORE

Pompano Beach Boulevard in the east community redevelopment area was a stark, uninviting corridor with narrow sidewalks, and a roadway with vehicles traveling 50+ miles per hour. The new promenade is a generous 17-ft. wide sidewalk with two colored concrete black stripes (LM Scofield) along the edge for interest. There are also colored concrete bands with a rolled shell pattern. Parking, coconut palms and decorative lighting border the walk. All of the Beacon cut-off fixtures (on Ameron poles) have “turtle friendly” LED amber lamps. When sea turtles hatch on the beach, they instinctively crawl toward the ocean, however, bright beach lights can cause them to move toward the lights and away from the ocean. STOP (Sea Turtle Oversight Protection) reports its volunteers in Broward County have saved over 50,000 such hatchlings in just the last two years.

Land Use

Key initiatives included beach dune enhancements, pedestrian improvements along the east and west side of Pompano Beach Boulevard, an exercise trail and fitness park, passive parks and playground upgrades, landscape beautification, lighting and site furnishings, beachfront parking and pedestrian plazas. The project also addressed necessary infrastructure improvements to support the Pompano Pier development.

Meandering walkways invite people to stroll the beach side without trodding in sand. The dilapidated structures were reskinned and reroofed to promote a public resort environment. A fine-bladed seashore Paspalum cultivar (‘Platinum TE’) was the choice for the passive green space along the dunes. Paspalum is known for its salt air tolerance. This “genetically-improved” paspalum was introduced in 2007 by Turf Ecosystems and Dr. Ron Duncan. The plant massings (left) are ‘Dune’ sunflower (Helianthus debilis). Bismarkii palms surround the green.

Design

EDSA, the landscape architect, needed to satisfy all of the permitting requirements with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Fish and Wildlife before anything could be implemented. This included the arduous turtle lighting requirements, as the beachfront serves as an urban edge to the community. The main design component was the creation of a contemporary beachfront promenade composed of a monolithic surface. The landscape architect designed a white concrete promenade with exposed glass and shell aggregates. The location of the street palm trees and light fixtures were critical to the design of the promenade, as they were used to create the spacing for the score joints and paving patterns integrated into the concrete.

Coral stone planters are prominent throughout the site, here with ‘Green Island’ Ficus microcarpa. The decorative railings were custom designed by EDSA and fabricated by Burkhardt Construction, Inc. The bollards (Beacon) have amber LEDs, which like the pole lighting, is an environmental specification to not attract turtle hatchlings. The benches are the ‘Trio’ series with aluminum texture powder-coated frames and Ipé hardwood slats.

Reconfiguring the Street & Sidewalks

Previously, the beachfront consisted of a narrow sidewalk, with 12-ft. wide traffic lanes in both directions, and a parking lot at the terminus of Atlantic Boulevard. The landscape architect developed a streetscape program that expanded the narrow sidewalk into a 17-ft. promenade, and created a great lawn plaza with an interactive water feature. The roadway was reconfigured with angled parking and 10-ft. wide lanes that transformed the corridor into a pedestrian friendly environment with a focus on walking and strolling. With car speeds along the corridor dramatically reduced, the family atmosphere and social interaction has been greatly enhanced. Additionally, the landscape architect incorporated a 1.2-mile walking trail with markers and an outdoor fitness area. The fitness area is located next to a completely refurbished playground designed for small children.

The landscape architect incorporated a 1.2-mile walking trail with markers and an outdoor fitness area for adults, with ‘HealthBeat’ equipment. The fitness area is located next to a completely refurbished playground designed for small children. The adult and play equipment are both from Landscape Structures.

Beachfront Sustainability

In many areas the dunes were nonexistent, and nonnative species had invaded the beachfront. This project restored and stabilized 2,800 linear feet of beach dunes along the existing, publicly-accessible, municipal beachfront. Enhanced dune plantings and native vegetation helped reestablish the primary dunes. In addition, construction of dune overwalks established ADA compliant access at gateway portals. The restored dunes are 3.5-ft. high and 30-ft. wide at the base to provide storm protection, plant and animal habitat, and shading from beachfront lighting, which helps hatchling sea turtles. The project had an overall reduction in paving surfaces and increase in native salt-tolerant landscape, including a focus on adding the overall amount of dune vegetation to help grow and maintain the primary dune.

Pompano Beach Mayor Lamar Fisher addressed the crowd on the great lawn at the 2013 grand opening of the new beach streetscape.

Community Impact and Legacy

Today, Pompano Beach, with all its amenities, cohesive design palate and environmental restoration enhancements, has become a greater family destination for residents and tourists by improving the overall health of the community and offering a safe place for community activities. This project changed the dynamics of the Pompano Beach area. Before the project was conceptualized, during peak times, only the 60 available parking spaces at the corner of Atlantic Boulevard and Pompano Beach Boulevard were occupied. The parking lot across from the Fishing Pier was busy during high peak holidays, like the 4th of July, however, parking was normally available even on “ideal” beach days. Revenue collection was average and public activity rather limited to some Sundays. Since the project was officially completed, parking revenues and capacity demand have exploded. Now it’s hard to find free parking spaces on the boulevard, even though 108 spaces were added. And there’s little to no open spaces in the temporary parking facility known as parcel A, where 124 spaces were added, and little to no empty spaces in the 315-capacity pier parking lot. This prompted the city to accelerate the plans to build a 500-car garage, which will provide extra capacity and serve to support future restaurants and other establishments.

The community consensus is praise for every square inch of improvements. The city has received multiple accolades by local business groups, residents and tourists. People walk the area with a sense of belonging and complimenting a job well done. Kids can now play with the interactive water features and enjoy the new playground, while adults can work out in the exercise area. In conclusion, the efforts restored the “good old times” to Pompano Beach!

EDSA and Hall Fountains designed the splash pad. It was built by Burkhardt Construction, Inc., and Hall Fountains. The concrete surface incorporates aggregate and colored concrete bands. The lawn area adjacent to the splash pad is synthetic turf manufactured by Synlawn.

____________________

Pompano Beach Streetscape Team

Pompano Beach/Community Redevelopment

Project Manager

Horacio Danovich, CRA Engineer, Director

Landscape Architecture

EDSA, Paul Kissinger, FASLA

Engineers

Coastal Planning & Engineering

Delta G Consulting Engineers

Keith and Associates

Construction Management Services

Contractor: Burkhardt Construction, Inc.

Bermello Ajamil and Partners, Inc.

Hall Fountains

Reynolds Smith and Hills, Inc.

Sweeney + Associates

Testing Lab of Palm Beaches

TRC Worldwide Engineers, Inc.

Manufacturers

Beacon

Boral Bricks

Forms + Surfaces: Olympia Bike Racks

Hall Fountains

Iron Age Design

Landscape Structures

LM Scofield

Synlawn

The article can also be seen here .

B.F. James Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Hallandale Beach

Sat, 12 Jul 2014 04:00:00 GMT

B.F. James Park is Complete!

B.F. James Park is the second completed park of the City Wide Parks Master Plan. Open on July 12, 2014, the renovated park features restrooms, two basketball courts, a playground, and a swimming pool.

New Pool Represents Promise Kept To Black Community Of Hallandale Beach

Thu, 10 Jul 2014 04:00:00 GMT

HALLANDALE BEACH (CBSMiami) – The new public pool set to open this month in B.F. James Park in Hallandale Beach represents a promise kept that was made to the Black community by city leaders decades ago.

It also represents the turning of a page in life for many hired to build it, many of whom could not get jobs because of past run-ins with law enforcement.

“It’s a source of opportunity and tremendous pride for this community,” said Murvin Wright, who runs the Palms Community Action Coalition. “Over half of the people that are working on the site now are from our community,” he said.

Click here to watch Brian Andrews’ report.

“Many of these guys needed second chances because they couldn’t get an ordinary job,” said James Alexander of Alexander & Johnson Project Management. “They’ve done a great job and to be part of a project this special and this historic is quite rewarding.”

The story of the new pool, set to open July 12, can be traced back several decades and several blocks to the west, where what was known as “the old Dixie pool” is now covered with asphalt.

“In the 60?s, there was only one pool in the Black community,” said Wright. He was taught how to swim by lifeguards, like Oreste Blake Johnson from whom a park is named on which the old pool site sits at 900 NW 8th Avenue. “It was a very essential part of our community,” said Wright. “It was a meeting point.”

But the old Dixie Pool fell into a state of disrepair.

It was closed in the early 90s and turned into a surface for skating but Wright says it was hardly ever used for that.

“Very few people here skate,” Wright said.

When the pool was closed, city leaders promised the community they would build them a new pool.

“This was 40 years ago,” said Wright. “Now, in 2014, we have our brand new pool.”

The new pool and park is part of Hallandale Beach’s Citywide Parks Master plan. It’s the second city park to be completed in the first phase of the plan. The negotiated contract with the general contractor, Burkhardt Construction Inc., requires that more than 50-percent of the $7.1 million in direct construction costs for the parks in the plan be reinvested into the city. That works out to about $3.6 million dollars going to city laborers and subcontractors.

“The economic impact of this is huge in itself because of the amount of revenue that stayed in the community,” said Wright.

“The money stays in Hallandale, you know, my guys, we live here, we shop here, we pay taxes here,” said James Alexander.

B.F. James Park, home of the new pool which some community leaders hope to name after the late Arington Steve Clark, a lifeguard at the old Dixie Pool in the 60’s, features the pool with a sloped access to address the needs of children, seniors, and the disabled.

The park, which also has a play area, lighted basketball courts and fitness trail, is named for a former educator and principal of the city’s first elementary school that served the Black community.

“There’s a lot of history here on this site,” Wright said. “It has a special place in the heart of the Black community here in Hallandale Beach.”

With the success of the B.F. James Park project, the city hopes voters will approve a $58.5 million bond referendum later this year to continue upgrades to other city parks and complete the city’s parks master plan.

See the article and video here .

Construction Starts on Donnelly Street

Mon, 09 Jun 2014 04:00:00 GMT

First week of Donnelly Street construction shows promise for Mount Dora merchants

MOUNT DORA — Closed streets and noisy construction work on the city's main drag hasn't slowed visitors, according to downtown merchants.

Residents appear to be turning out to support their local businesses, despite concerns that the road work on Donnelly Street and Third Avenue would hurt business. The work that began last week is part of phase two of the downtown streetscape project and required the closure of Donnelly between Fourth and Fifth avenues and Third Avenue between Dora Drawdy Way and Baker Street.

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/images/pixel.gif

This phase, which is expected to wrap up by Oct. 1, will create new event power sources, furniture, lighting and wider sidewalks, among other improvements.

Despite the long-term benefits of the project, merchants worried that construction would drive away customers like it did last summer, during phase one. Some business owners in those construction zones reported huge losses in foot traffic and revenue. However, it appears that better planning and communication with the city seems to have made a big difference for this phase.

Judy Ransanici, owner of One Flight Up Cafe, said her business has increased a little because of support from locals.

"This is their town — they love Mount Dora," Ransanici said. "It's a historical city and to get a big, brand-new facelift — especially with how beautiful the streetscape is going to be — people are really excited about it."

Help has come from Burkhardt Construction, whose crew members make a point to keep the sidewalk clear for foot traffic. Carla Pereira, owner of Piglet's Pantry, said it's one of things that helps her "stay positive" while construction is ongoing.

"They're very neat, they're very organized. I'm very impressed with them," Pereira said. "I mean it's inconvenient, but it'll be worth it in the long run."

The construction crew also connected with a few merchants by sharing things they've dug up from the street such as bottles, trinkets and, most recently, a gas canister.

"We're just trying to have a fun time with this," Pereira said. "It's an adventure."

Thirty-two merchants in the construction zones also will receive a city grant to improve their stores during the construction period, city spokeswoman Kelda Senior said.

"Our merchants have really applied for it to do improvements either to the interior or the exterior of their businesses."

Last week, the city increased its allocations for such grants from $60,000 to $166,700 because of the outpouring of interest, Senior said.

Pereira received one of the grants for her store. She plans to use it for buying energy-efficient lighting, painting her front door and getting a window film that will prevent the store from getting so warm during the day.

"A lot of the merchants were trying to take advantage of this, so it's going to be a good thing for all of us," Pereira said.

To view the article click here .

Donnelly Street Improvements Begin in Mount Dora

Sat, 31 May 2014 04:00:00 GMT

Mount Dora Buzz

The Donnelly phase of Downtown's Streetscape Improvements starts June 2 between 4th and 5th Avenues. The project is expected to be completed by the end of September. Parking maps will be available downtown, as well as on the Mount Dora Buzz website and Facebook pages. The improvements on Donnelly Street will include improved drainage, wider sidewalks on both sides, landscaping, tree replacement, pavered crosswalks and modified parking. Improvements on 3rd Avenue started May 1 and will also continue through September 30. Stores will remain open and parking is still available off Donnelly and in the multiple downtown public parking lots.

$1.6M Park Project Completed

Fri, 18 Apr 2014 04:00:00 GMT

At one time, Joseph Scavo Park featured nothing more than a playground and a gathering place for the neighborhood.

That started to change in July, when crews broke ground on a big improvement project, part of Hallandale Beach's parks master plan, and on a recent Saturday morning, nearly 1,000 people came out to watch Mayor Joy Cooper and city commissioners cut the ribbon and officially reopen the park.

"It was simply amazing," Cooper said. "The buzz around town has also been great."

The revamped park, located in the Three Islands community, includes basketball courts, restrooms, an exercise and walking trail, two off-leash dog parks (one each for large and small dogs), and a larger playground.

"I am so proud to have cut the ribbon in honor of [Scavo's] legacy and to his family," said City Commissioner Bill Julian, who considers the late mayor to be a mentor. "[There's] a fitness trail, which I desperately need to participate in, more trees and a big playground for the little kids. [The park] just gives off an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity; I love it."

It's the first project in the master plan to be completed, and it cost about $1.6 million, $100,000 under the projected budget. Cooper said more than $700,000 stayed local, using city vendors, workers and contractors. Other parks currently undergoing renovations are B.F. James, South Beach City and North Beach City.

Phases two and three of the master plan, which include six additional parks, are being planned, but funding will rely on a bond referendum scheduled for the November elections.

"Parks create a place to exercise, a place of respite to connect to nature, socialize, play and simply enjoy life," Cooper said. "… They [also] add to our economic vitality by improving property values."

Joseph Scavo Park is at 900 Three Islands Blvd. For more information on the plan and other projects underway, visit Hallandalebeachfl.gov .

Kissimmee Lakefront Park was Featured in Landscape Architect and Specifier News

Fri, 11 Apr 2014 04:00:00 GMT

Joseph Scavo Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Hallandale Beach

Sat, 05 Apr 2014 04:00:00 GMT

Joseph Scavo Park is Complete!

Joseph Scavo Park was the first completed park of the City Wide Parks Master Plan. On April 5, 2014 a ribbon cutting ceremony opened the newly renovated park which features a playground, restrooms, fitness trail, basketball courts and two dog parks, one for large dogs and one for small dogs.

Smithsonian Magazine names Mount Dora one of the 20 best small towns to visit in 2014

Tue, 01 Apr 2014 04:00:00 GMT

The 20 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2014

14. Mount Dora, FL

(Downtown Mount Dora; photo by Julie Fletcher, VISIT FLORIDA )

Forget Orlando—the next time you're planning a trip to Central Florida, think about stopping by Mount Dora City, a town of about 13,162 nestled between hills and orange groves on the edge of Lake Dora.

Two of Mount Dora City's annual festivals are renowned throughout the country for their quality: the nationally ranked Mount Dora Arts Festival and the Fall Craft Fair, which is the largest outdoor event in the southeast United States. Mount Dora City also caters to antique enthusiasts, who come from all around the state—and country—to browse the town's offerings.

In the center of town sits Donnelly Park , a tree-shaded block that offers visitors a place to picnic or indulge in a game of tennis or shuffleboard. Nearby, visit Palm Island Park, home to one of the most beautiful nature walks in Florida.

The oldest structure in town is the 86-room Lakeside Inn, built in 1883. The Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce, inside the 1915 rail depot, attracts a large number of visitors each year, who come to marvel at its historic architecture. Mount Dora City is also home to the world-famous Renninger's Florida Twin Markets , a flea market and antique market held each Saturday and Sunday in the town.

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/20-best-small-towns-to-visit-in-2014-180950173/?no-ist

Florida Trend Magazine Showcases Two of Burkhardt Construction's Projects

Tue, 01 Apr 2014 04:00:00 GMT

Pretty on Peruvian

Wed, 29 Jan 2014 05:00:00 GMT

Upgrade features new trees, old-fashioned lights, Tabby sidewalks

Photo by Jeff Langlois.

The $1.3 million project to upgrade the streetscape along the 400 block of Peruvian Avenue has been completed.

The construction barriers are gone and lane closures are a thing of the past.

The $1.3 million project to upgrade the streetscape along the 400 block of Peruvian Avenue, which began in October, was completed last week.

“We were finished ahead of schedule and within budget,” said Tony Sabatino of Burkhardt Construction. Sabatino was the project manager on the job.

“The job went smoothly, with few complaints, and was done on time,” said Public Works Director Paul Brazil. “We would consider it a success overall.”

The Town Council voted last fall to allow construction to continue on the block, between South Lake Drive and Cocoanut Row, until Jan. 31.

Architect Mark Marsh of the island firm Bridges, Marsh & Associates designed the streetscape with landscape design by Sanchez & Maddux of Palm Beach.

The 850-foot-long block was fully resurfaced, with historic-style street lighting and seashell-embedded Tabby concrete sidewalks installed.

More than 600 annuals, 31 ylang-ylang trees, 18 coconut palms and eight royal palms were planted along the stretch.

The renovation of the one-block stretch was paid for via assessments on block residents over 10 years.

“We could not be more pleased with the result,” said Debra Beard, a Peruvian Avenue resident who spearheaded the effort to upgrade the stretch. “It’s totally changed the atmosphere on the street and we achieved our goal, which was to give the block a more appropriate residential look.”

Kissimmee Lakefront Park receives an Excellence Award from the American Institute of Architects

Sun, 22 Dec 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Hollywood's Broadwalk Gets Thumbs Up

Mon, 09 Dec 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The Hollywood beach Broadwalk is back in the spotlight.

It was voted the best boardwalk in Florida by USA Today readers, trouncing the Gulf coast's Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach.

The beach-level boardwalk, built in 1926 and extensively renovated in 2008, stretches for 2.5 miles and includes bicycle lanes and a crushed-shell jogging path.

In addition, it recently was named one of the top 10 public spaces in America for 2013 by the American Planning Association.

http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2013-12-09/news/fl-usa-today-hollywood-boardwalk-tophat-20131209_1_broadwalk-crushed-shell-thumbs

Iconic Worth Avenue comes in third in poll

Thu, 10 Oct 2013 04:00:00 GMT

The Results Are In

Online voters have selected Worth Avenue as the third “favorite iconic American street” in a reader’s choice competition conducted by 10Best, a division of the USA Today Travel Media Group.

Voting took place over the past four weeks at www.10best.com/awards/travel, with 20 famed destination thoroughfares across the country nominated for the honor.

Memphis’ Beale Street received the most votes, putting that city’s downtown stretch — which is famous for the blues and barbecue — at the top of the 10-best list.

In second place is Santa Fe’s historic Canyon Road.

“We were surprised by the results, though we still know we’re really No. 1. And pulling into third place really is pretty remarkable,” said Gregg Beletsky, president of the Worth Avenue Association. “Making the top 5 and beating out other Florida streets is especially satisfying and proves our status as an iconic destination.”

Other “iconic” streets in the top 10, in order, are: Bourbon Street in New Orleans; Las Vegas Boulevard, known as The Strip, in Las Vegas; San Francisco’s scenic twisting hillside tourist attraction Lombard Street; Michigan Avenue in Chicago, known as the Magnificent Mile; Calle Ocho, main drag of Miami’s Cuban community; Boston’s historic Beacon Street; and Miami Beach’s trendy Art Deco-style strip, Ocean Drive.

Hollywood's Broadwalk wins national recognition

Fri, 04 Oct 2013 04:00:00 GMT

You may think the Broadwalk has nothing in common with New York City's Grand Central Terminal.

Or the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in Anchorage.

Or the Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge.

But you would be wrong.

Hollywood's 2.5-mile Broadwalk has joined those locales on a list of 10 Great Public Spaces for 2013.

The American Planning Association chose the spots as part of its Great Places in America program.

Peruvian Avenue upgrade starts

Wed, 02 Oct 2013 04:00:00 GMT

The $1.3 million infrastructure and streetscape renovation slated to conclude at end of January.

Along Peruvian Avenue’s 400 block, construction barriers were put in place Monday.

The asphalt street was cut by a saw Tuesday.

On Wednesday, a demolition unit from Burkhardt Construction arrived.

The crew began tearing up a strip of road extending about 6 feet from the existing curb line on the north side of the one-way street between Cocoanut Row and South Lake Drive. The job is more complicated on the north side because curbside drain relocation must be done around an existing water main line, said Tony Sabatino, Burkhardt project manager.

Work began as scheduled on the $1.3 million infrastructure and streetscape renovation of the one-block stretch.

The improvements, to be paid for through an assessment on block residents over 10 years, will add 3-1/2 feet of planting area on both sides of the street.

Plans call for 624 annuals, 31 ylang-ylang trees, 18 cocoanut palms and eight royal palms to be planted on the north and south sides of the 850-foot-long block, which will be resurfaced. New historic-style street lighting also will be installed, along with seashell-embedded Tabby concrete sidewalks.

No on-street parking will be allowed during construction, which will last until Jan. 31. One west-to-east traffic lane will remain open in the center of the street, though motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures during work hours, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For information, contact Wayne King, Burkhardt project liaison, at 718-2605.

Peruvian Avenue streetscape work begins Monday

Sun, 29 Sep 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Burkhardt Construction of West Palm Beach will start work Monday on streetscape improvements to the 400 block of Peruvian Avenue.

Barriers will be erected on both sides of the street, with a single traffic lane open during the four-month-long project. No on-street parking will be available during the construction, which is projected to finish by the end of January. Property owners on the block are footing the bill for the $1.3 million job through a 10-year bond. The project involves installing landscaped areas on both sides of the street, new street lighting, Tabby concrete sidewalks, drainage systems and repaving. Mark Marsh of Bridges & Marsh Architects and landscape architecture firm Sanchez & Maddux collaborated on the streetscape redesign. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes, such as Royal Palm Way and Brazilian and Australian avenues, to avoid the construction zone. The single open lane may need to be closed during the building process. Demolition is expected to begin Tuesday.

Worth Ave. nominated in national “Iconic Street’ contest

Wed, 11 Sep 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Could Worth Avenue America’s be most iconic street?

Palm Beach’s most famous shopping district has been named to the national top 20 Iconic Streets, according to 10Best.com, a division of USA Today. Also included are two other famous Florida thoroughfares: Calle Ocho in Miami’s Little Havana and Ocean Drive in Miami Beach.

The web site is hosting a contest to name the American street that best combines history and a strong sense of place while reflecting its unique location in the country.

The Worth Avenue we know today sprang from the pen of architect Addison Mizner in the early 1920s, shortly after he designed several buildings on the street’s western end, including the private Everglades Club.

Mizner dotted the Avenue’s Mediterranean-style buildings with bougainvillea-draped pedestrian vias, leading to small enclaves of restaurants and shops. The architecture became known around the world as “the Palm Beach look.”

To win, Worth Avenue will have to beat back stiff competition from Broadway, Wall Street and Fifth Avenue in New York, as well as “birthplace of the blues” Beale Street in Memphis, San Francisco’s Lombard Street, whose eight turns in a quarter mile earned it the nickname “the world’s crookedest street,” and that post shopping street on the other coast, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

Burkhardt Construction Receives Award of Honor

Sun, 01 Sep 2013 04:00:00 GMT

The Florida Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects presented Burkhardt Construction, Inc. an Award of Honor for the Pompano Beach Streetscape and Dune Enhancements.

Joseph Scavo Park Groundbreaking, Hallandale Beach

Wed, 24 Jul 2013 04:00:00 GMT

B.F. James Park Groundbreaking, Hallandale Beach

Tue, 23 Jul 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Mount Dora Groundbreaking

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Mount Dora officials kicked-off the new $3.8 million downtown streetscape project with a groundbreaking ceremony at Childs Park, on Monday, April, 29, 2013. The project aims to improve pedestrian safety by adding or widening sidewalks and adding wheelchair-accessible ramps, as well as to upgrade the stormwater and the water and sewer lines.

City of Kissimmee opens Lakefront Park

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Hamilton Disston, the Philadelphia industrialist and land developer who purchased 4 million acres of land in and around the Kissimmee River basin in the 1880s, would likely be pleased today with Kissimmee’s new Lakefront Park.

So much that he’d probably be happy to hitch up one of his steamboats at the park’s slips or docks or its proposed expanded marina.

The first two phases of the new park, which became a concept in 2006 and a construction site in 2007, are now a finished product that opened this week.

Stages I and II of the park include covered picnic areas, two playgrounds, a fishing dock and boat ramp, stage, more than 275,000 square feet of concrete and bricked walkways and two lawn areas, one expansive enough for community events and the other intimate for weddings and other small affairs.

The park also was built with environmental sensitivity in mind. A rain garden was created to absorb runoff from local roofs, roads and sidewalks and divert pollution from Lake Tohopekaliga and other natural waterways. Native oak trees already in the park were kept, and to prevent stormwater runoff, the Department of Public Works and Engineering installed several “Baffle Boxes.” They will treat stormwater to remove litter and pollutants and filter dissolved nutrients, and clean water will flow out of the box and into the lake.

The first two phases were finished more than a month ahead of schedule and about $1.7 million under the city’s original $20 million budget. It’s statistics that Kissimmee Parks and Recreation Director Dan Loubier rattled off with a big grin at a presentation at the park on Friday for city staff, community leaders and members of the design and construction teams.

“This represents six years of work. In a tough economy, we were able to put people to work,” he said. “Even though this was developed during a downturn, the City Commission, its attorneys and managers never wavered on the vision to complete this.”

Phase III of the park will include more spaces for events and fishing tournaments, a children’s splash pad, another playground, 475 feet of boardwalks and a retrofitted marina around the Big Toho Marina. It is slated to open Oct. 31, 2014, two months ahead of its original projected delivery date.

Project management company AECOM developed the master plan and landscape architecture for the new park that was constructed by Burkhardt Construction. The end result is a park that creates a new connection to both downtown Kissimmee and Lake Toho.

At the end of Ruby Plaza, which features an area of covered tables that juts out into the lake, is a sign that harkens back over 150 years, when Disston’s steamboats used Lake Tohopekaliga as a pass through from points north toward Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades in the south, moving goods and people.

Kissimmee Mayor Jim Swan has been a key contributor and overseer of the project, and swelled with civic pride as he toured the final product Friday.

“I’ve been in here a few times, but now that it’s done it’s amazing,” he said. “I can’t wait to see the citizens’ reaction. They’re going to be thrilled.

“Before I got elected, a developer wanted to build condos on the lakefront. The community got a little excited about that, and I think what has resulted reflects the desires of our citizens.”

Among the guests at Friday’s unveiling was Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, a late 1970s alumnus of Osceola High School, was a guest of Swan’s.

“Looks a lot different than the last time I was here,” Dyer said.

New development should come on the other side of Lakeview Drive once the former Roy E. Hansell Plant is torn down and a Kissimmee Utility Authority substation is refurbished to have a smaller footprint in the area.

“It’s been an interesting evolution, and there’s more to come,” Swan said.

Loubier thanked city administrators, such as city construction manager Ken Barnett and others he worked with so long on the project.

“Ken, Jeff Sizemore, Scott Murray, Mike Brown, we all attended every design meeting,” he said. “We may have spent more time together in the past six years than we have with our own families.”

https://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00028318/00876

Pompano Beach Ribbon Cutting

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Worthy of Worth

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT