FAMU ‘tops off’ new 800-bed dorm

Florida A&M Interim President Larry Robinson and Joe Kokolakis, CEO of J. Kokolakis Contracting Inc., served lunch to 200 construction workers Tuesday during the topping out ceremony at the north parking area of Bragg Memorial Stadium.

“Topping out” is the term used by ironworkers to indicate that the final piece of steel is being hoisted at its maximum height on a building, bridge or other large structure.

Traditionally, in a “topping out party,” construction crews are treated to food and drinks, even though the project is not yet completed.

“The ceremony is to really pay honor to the workers who have primarily made this possible with their hard and dedicated work,” Robinson said. “You can pretty much see the life of the building beginning to take hold.”

He said he believes the dormitory will be a tremendous addition to campus.

“On-campus living is a staple in the college experience for several reasons,” Robinson said. “Students who live on campus tend to be more engaged in the college experience. The convenience of being close to their classes, the library and dining services all contribute to an environment that allows students to establish a sense of community and to focus on excelling in the classroom.”

Kokolakis said the topping out ceremony celebrated the hard work and overcoming of obstacles the construction workers have faced.

“The efforts put forth by the tradesmen on this project has been nothing short of remarkable,” Kokolakis said. “With record-setting rainfall this summer, it would have been easy for this project to fall behind schedule. But this group took it upon themselves to find a way to work around the rain and keep things on track.”

After enjoying the ceremony, a painter for J. Kokolakis Inc., Johnnie Reviere, had a smile on his face and a positive attitude.

“I really enjoyed the food and what the speakers had to say,” Reviere said. “The new dorm will have a great impact on the FAMU students. Once it’s done, students can move in and the older buildings can be renovated.”

Chuks Onwunli, associate director of facilities, planning and construction, is the department manager of the project.

He said the new building will enhance the university’s recruitment efforts.

“This is a long-awaited project,” Onwunli said. “The university community has been looking for something of this standard to help in the recruitment and enrollment of students.”

He said he wishes to see more facilities built in the future and plans to target the female dormitories and Palmetto Street apartments.

Kendall Jones, interim associate vice president for construction and facilities, said the token of appreciation to the workers was necessary.

“The ceremony that took place was deserving,” Jones said. “This project has been challenged with bad weather, and the workers have worked after hours on weekends to keep the project on schedule, and it’s commendable.”

Jones said he is pleased the project is within budget and on time.

The new 800-bed facility is projected to cost $37.4 million. It is set to be completed this summer and will open to students for the following fall semester. The new dorm will be a mixed-use model housing 800 single-occupied bedrooms with two bedrooms sharing a bathroom space. It includes several community rooms on each floor for computer labs and lounges.

The dormitory replaces the former housing complex for military veterans and families, Polkinghorne Village, which was constructed in 1967 and demolished in 2011 to make way for the larger housing facility.

The renderings can be viewed on designer of record DAG Architects’ website.
#ToppingCelebration

The new dorm will be a mixed-use model housing 800 single-occupied bedrooms with two bedrooms sharing a bathroom space. It includes several community rooms on each floor for computer labs and lounges.

The dormitory replaces the former housing complex for military veterans and families, Polkinghorne Village, which was constructed in 1967 and demolished in 2011 to make way for the larger housing facility.

The renderings can be viewed on designer of record DAG Architects’ website.