Florida Construction News staff writer
The City of Pensacola held a groundbreaking on Friday to mark the start of exterior renovations at the Fricker Resource Center, supporting the city’s strategic plan goals of connecting communities through public spaces and honoring neighborhood culture and legacy.
“The Fricker Resource Center renovation project has the potential to be one of the most transformative initiatives in our department’s history,” Parks and Recreation Director Tonya Byrd said in a statement. “This investment goes far beyond improving a facility, it represents an opportunity to strengthen an entire neighborhood through expanded services, programs, and resources that directly impact residents’ quality of life.”
Green Simmons has begun interior demolition and construction of the stormwater improvements.
Demolition of the building exterior has commenced, with new building walls going up within 30-60 days and construction is expected to be completed by June 2027.
With about $10 million in grant funding awarded in 2023 and local option sales tax funds, the renovated center will include:
- A career lab
- A senior center
- STEM Lab for students
- Health and wellness access
- Increased weather resiliency, including expanded stormwater treatment
- Increased parking
- ADA-compliant playground updates
- A multipurpose field/green space
- Additional renovations to restrooms, entryways, the kitchen, social hall and library
“We’re building more than just a facility, we’re building a space that reflects the heart of this community,” Mayor D.C. Reeves said. “Our goal is to maintain what we already have and make it resilient enough to endure for many more years to come.”
The Fricker project is part of the city’s Direction 25 program, a nearly $22 million effort to invest in and revitalize parks and public recreation spaces across the city.
To learn more, visit the project website: www.frcrenovation.com.
