Acclaimed architect and construction firm move to Gainsville’s Innovation Square

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Two decorated firms have announced their move into Gainsville’s Innovation Square, adding to the list of companies relocating to the research and innovation community.

Charles Perry Partners, Inc. (CPPI) and Ponikvar & Associates are two respected firms which have moved into Innovation Square recently. As service providers in the construction industry, both chose to move to Innovation Square in anticipation of the upcoming development, Trimark Properties said in a news releaseThe moves signal the start of a growth period in the research community.

“It certainly signals the next phase beginning at Innovation Square,” said Nick Banks, managing director of Front Street Commercial Real Estate Group. “Architects and construction companies come into developments like this before construction begins on large projects. They hire engineers, site consultants, project managers, and get them in place so that when they break ground on the larger buildings, they have the support teams ready.”

Well-known locally for their extensive work with the University of Florida and the University of Miami, Ponikvar & Associates is an architect group that moved into Ayers Innovation Plaza across from UF’s Florida Innovation Hub, a building they designed. The firm’s other notable projects in the area include the University of Florida’s Nanoscale Facility, Emerson Alumni Hall, and the Tioga Town Center, the news release said.

“There is a foreseeable demand for extensive building projects within the Square and we want to be around to be a part of that,” said Jack Povinkvar, Ponikvar & Associates’ principal architect and vice-president.

Ponikvar & Associates designed their new location to allow for an expansion of up to 50-per cent over their current staffing numbers. As the number of companies committing to Innovation Square continues to grow, the architectural firm expects their services will be in high demand. Ponikvar cited that they expect to expand quickly into the additional space.

Meanwhile, CPPI, a Gainsville-based construction company with projects throughout the southeast relocated last week to 706 at Innovation Square. CPPI built the patient tower at North Florida Regional Hospital.  CPPI cited the location’s close proximity to the University of Florida campus and downtown Gainesville, the ample amenities being offered, and incentives provided by the Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency, as reasons for its decision to switch.

“The location will keep us in close contact with our clients. It allows us to respond faster and provide better service. The new work environment and surrounding amenities are also a positive for our employees,” said Matt Webster, vice-president of the diversity projects division for CPPI.

“Other companies are realizing that being within a highly visible location not only helps them recruit talented employees, but it also puts their company in the center of the events and opportunities that arise as Innovation Square continues to expand,” said Banks.

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