PENSACOLA, FLA. — Balfour Beatty Campus Solutions LLC, a developer and operator of infrastructure projects for college communities, has been selected as the lead developer for the University of West Florida’s University Park and Northwest Village projects. The public-private projects are located on the school’s main campus in Pensacola.
The developments, which have an expected value at completion of more than $500 million, will be delivered in phases during a 10-year period. The first phase is slated to break ground in 2014.
The University Park project will be situated on the south central area of campus and include potential plans for a new student union, student housing, a football stadium, parking garage, plaza and bell tower.
Northwest Village is a proposed seniors housing community geared toward lifelong learners, retired faculty and others associated with the university. The project will be located on the west area of campus.
“We are delighted to work with the University of West Florida as they continue to grow and develop its campus infrastructure,” says Bob Shepko, president of Balfour Beatty Campus Solutions. “The assembled team represents the best in the industry, and we look forward to working collaboratively to deliver an enhanced campus experience for both current and future university students.”
Founded in 1963, The University of West Florida offers undergraduate, graduate and targeted research programs. As of last fall, the school’s enrollment consisted of 12,823 students, according to the university website. The school currently has 2,215 on-campus beds and is slated to add another 250 or so more in August 2014.
Balfour Beatty Campus Solutions will work with a team of local and national partners that will participate in various phases of the development. The firms include Baskerville-Donovan Engineering, Caldwell Associates, Morette Co., Balfour Beatty Construction, Parsons Brinkerhoff, Heery International, PGAL, Provident Resources Group, RBC Capital Markets, Concord Eastridge and Standard Parking.
The project team is working with the University of West Florida’s business arm — Business Enterprises Inc. — to develop the master plan for the projects.
“The selection of Balfour Beatty and their team was the result of an arduous open and competitive two-stage selection process,” reveals David O’Brien, the procurement officer of Business Enterprises.
“Delivering this project through a public-private partnership will be truly a collaborative effort and something that will benefit all parts of the greater Pensacola and University of West Florida combined communities,” adds Dr. James Barnett, interim CEO of Business Enterprises.
Balfour Beatty Campus Solutions is part of Balfour Beatty Investments Inc., a global company whose focus is financing and operating assets ranging from roads and railways to office buildings and educational facilities. Balfour Beatty Investments is a division of Balfour Beatty plc, an operator in construction services, professional services, support services and infrastructure investments. Balfour Beatty plc is based in the United Kingdom.
— John Nelson