APOPKA SERVICE CENTER RECOGNIZED AS FGBC GREEN ACHIEVEMENT FINALIST

The Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) recently announced the 2023 Green Achievement Award Finalists, recognizing projects that emanate commitments to improving the built environment in Florida through Florida-centric sustainable practices. Among the Highest Scoring Projects for Commercial Design was the St. Johns River Water Management District Apopka Service Center, a 17,160 SF multi-purpose office and training center for the District designed by Straughn Trout Architects.

Read more about this recognition from the Florida Green Building Coalition.

Learn more about this project.

SJRWMD APOPKA SERVICE CENTER ACHIEVES FGBC GOLD CERTIFICATION

STA is proud to share that the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) Apopka Service Center earned GOLD Certification by the Florida Green Building Coalition. This designation is awarded to buildings that exemplify the highest standards for sustainability in the State of Florida.

[Above: East façade of the SJRWMD Apopka Service Center.]

The Apopka Service Center is a 17,160 SF multi-purpose office and training facility for the SJRWMD. The project was delivered in conjunction with The Collage Companies, utilizing the Design-Build approach, allowing for streamlined communication between the contractor/design team, subcontracts, and owner.

CITIZENS BANK & TRUST BREAKS GROUND ON NEW PLANT CITY OFFICE

On August 26, 2022, Citizens Bank & Trust held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Bank’s new Plant City branch office. The site marks the first newly-constructed building outside of Polk County in the Bank’s 102-year history.

Citizens Bank & Trust Plant City Branch Groundbreaking Ceremony

Designed by Straughn Trout Architects, the new 3,660-square-foot building exhibits an interior aesthetic and floorplan concept that maximizes functional efficiencies and portrays the bank’s commitment to contemporary financial products and personalized services. The exterior of the building responds to a unique site with a façade that presents a stylistic fusion of the Bank’s established Mediterranean style with brick accents that compliment adjacent structures along James L. Redman Parkway. This project is a continuation of STA’s extensive experience in commercial development, including several banking facilities of varying scale and complexity.

The new Plant City branch is scheduled for completion in Fall 2023.

Conceptual Renderings of Citizens Bank & Trust’s New Plant City Branch

 

[Source: Citizens Bank & Trust]

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT CENTER AT FLORIDA POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY FEATURED IN AMERICAN SCHOOL & UNIVERSITY ARCHITECTURAL PUBLICATION

The Student Development Center at Florida Polytechnic University was recognized by the American School & University Architectural Portfolio as one of the publication’s “Outstanding Designs” for 2020. Learn more about the feature.

ADVENTHEALTH FIELDHOUSE EARNS “BUILD-IT” AWARD FOR CITY OF WINTER HAVEN

The AdventHealth Fieldhouse and Conference Center at Chain of Lakes Park, Winter Haven, Florida

 

The City of Winter Haven recently announced it received the “Build-It” Award from the Heart of Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association for the recently-constructed AdventHealth Fieldhouse at Chain of Lakes Park. This award is attributed to the facility’s cutting-edge innovation – providing for the needs of the local community while also serving as an economic driver. The “Build-It” Award is the second honor bestowed upon the Fieldhouse since its grand opening ceremony in January. Earlier this year, it was named “Project of the Year” by the Florida Engineering Society Ridge Chapter.

 

When good projects are recognized and awarded by professional organizations, we know we have really hit the mark of excellence.

 

“It is quite exciting to receive yet another award for significant quality enhancements in the Winter Haven community. The AdventHealth Fieldhouse is already an iconic landmark and destination for local families and athletes from around the world,” said Assistant City Manager T. Michael Stavres, who also served as the project manager. “When good projects are recognized and awarded by professional organizations, we know we have really hit the mark of excellence. The Fieldhouse serves as an additional opportunity to enrich the lifestyle of citizens, and we are proud of this accomplishment.”

 

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The AdventHealth Fieldhouse at Chain of Lakes Park includes a comprehensive redesign of a 69+ acre site owned by the City. In December of 2017, the City engaged a team consisting of Straughn Trout Architects, Rodda Construction, and Whitehead Construction to begin the renovation of the landmark Chain O’ Lakes Complex facility. The notable expansion, now known as the AdventHealth Fieldhouse at Chain of Lakes Park, broke ground in October 2018. With a prime location along U.S. Route 17 and Cypress Gardens Boulevard, it distinguishes a primary gateway to the city – serving as a major regional destination and a catalyst for continued public and private development. The Fieldhouse design is centered around a multi-use gymnasium, a 360-degree second-floor observation area and track, meeting areas, locker rooms, a double-height entry concourse, concession space, public fitness area, and renovated portions of the existing Complex facility. The new construction added just over 86,000 square feet to the existing 56,000 square foot original building. The west side vehicle drop-off drive to enter Theatre Winter Haven is a dramatic enhancement, with a new connection corridor, box office space, and a two-story elevator lobby to improve accessibility for Theatre patrons. The Lakeland Magic will also use the Fieldhouse as their primary training facility.

“In publicly funded projects like this, the design is carefully crafted through a ‘form follows function’ approach,” said Tim Hoeft, Managing Principal of Straughn Trout Architects and Project Architect. “In our opinion, the total facility (renovated existing building and newly constructed addition) now presents a strong holistic and unified aesthetic that is both complimentary and timeless.”

 

FACILITY INFORMATION

 

The AdventHealth Fieldhouse at Chain of Lakes Park is located at 210 Cypress Gardens Boulevard and is now open to the public at limited capacity. To learn about facility rentals or general availability, please call (863) 268-6733 or visit: https://www.mywinterhaven.com/parks-and-recreation/facilities-parks/fieldhouse-and-conference-center/

A FIELDHOUSE OF DREAMS: STRAUGHN TROUT ARCHITECTS’ MAJOR RENOVATION AND ADDITION PROJECT FEATURED BY THE LAKELANDER

Straughn Trout Architects Managing Principal Tim Hoeft was recently interviewed by the Lakelander about the new AdventHealth Fieldhouse and Conference Center at the Chain of Lakes Complex in Winter Haven. Read more about the project and other insights in the Lakelander article.