Sanford, FL – June 22, 2015 – More than 200 people attended the opening at the new Holden Heights Community Center on June 18, 2015. In a neighborhood challenged by crime and joblessness, the 12,612 square foot facility offers hope within its classrooms for vocational training, its fully equipped computer lab, and its space for adult and after-school programs.
“The center will connect children from poor families to the technology they will need to compete for college scholarships and good jobs,” Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs said.
Wharton-Smith, along with Mayor Jacobs, County Commissioners, representatives from the Orange County Community Action Division (CAD), Holden Heights Neighborhood Association, Orange County Family Services Department, and architect C.T. Hsu + Associates were there for the celebration. See pictures from the event on our Flickr site. Pictured right: Mayor Jacobs and Wharton-Smith Superintendent Tim Moore.
While many attendees praised the building’s modern design, its function is far more important. “We are proud of the part we played in creating this community resource,” said Tom Murphy, Project Executive at Wharton-Smith. “It will serve the residents of Holden Heights for many years to come.”
Project Details
The contemporary design is constructed of tilt-wall and structural steel and features a large multi-purpose room for meetings and receptions, state-of-the-art classroom, computer lab, offices, conference room, a 2,294 square foot covered deck, and 345 square foot uncovered deck. The project also included an underground exfiltration system for stormwater, new sanitary system, a parking lot, retaining walls, landscaping and site amenities. Wharton-Smith provided general contracting services for the project.
