Size: 23,915-Square-Feet
Location: Naples
To accommodate the Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s objectives for additional administrative space, attract global talent for conservation interns and grow the Conservancy’s environmental education, sea turtle, and Burmese python internship programs as well as provide hands-on experience at the onsite von Arx Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital, a need was identified for a new environmental studies dormitory.
Reflecting the color palette of the Conservatory campus, the three-story, 23,915-square-foot building includes 15 covered parking spaces on the first level with four level 2 vehicle charging stations. The second-floor houses offices, flex space, conference rooms and a soundproof media room which required unique insulation for the plumbing, ductwork and roof drain lines.
The third-floor features 16 dorms to accommodate 32 students, a private suite for visiting scholars, restrooms with showers, a kitchen with living area and laundry facilities.
Showcasing the Conservancy’s commitment to sustainability, the building includes LED lighting, solar panel capability and frit pattern glass to repel birds and minimize bird strikes. Additionally, the building has complete lockdown capability if a threat is ever present.
The project was originally awarded to another contractor who was terminated during preconstruction. To maintain the schedule already established by the Conservancy, Stevens Construction used as many as the same subcontractors already awarded the project. Even with only one month to provide preconstruction services, Stevens Construction was still able to identify $303,000 in cost-savings suggestions.
