KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA – Site work has begun on Exploration Park, the high-tech research and office park being developed by The Pizzuti Companies in partnership with Space Florida.
Tom Harmer, senior vice president for The Pizzuti Companies, said the initial work includes clearing the site, transporting fill dirt and initial site grading. Work on this phase of the project is expected to take approximately eight weeks to complete, Harmer said.
“We are thrilled to see the park making progress and look forward to showcasing this unique offering to customers,” noted Space Florida President Frank DiBello.
“We’re excited to begin this portion of the project and to take the next steps toward creating a world-class office and technology park,” Harmer said. “We are actively engaged in discussions with a number of potential tenants as we prepare the site for the start of vertical construction.”
Pizzuti is serving as Master Developer of Exploration Park in a public/private partnership with Space Florida, the State’s aerospace economic development organization. Civil engineering services are being provided by Jones Edmunds and Titusville-based RUSH Construction is the project’s general contractor.
The fill dirt being used to develop the first phase of the Park has been donated by Port Canaveral as part of a cooperative agreement between Space Florida and the Port.
Exploration Park’s initial 60-acre phase, located just outside the security gates at Kennedy Space Center, will accommodate approximately 350,000 square feet in up to nine separate LEED-certified buildings, expected to include educational, office, research/lab space and flexible high-bay facilities. A second 139-acre phase has also been identified.
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About Pizzuti: The Pizzuti Companies is a recognized leader in the development, marketing and management of real estate. With operations in Columbus, Chicago and Orlando, Pizzuti has developed more than 40 million square feet of Class A office, medical and healthcare, retail, residential and institutional-quality industrial facilities throughout the Midwest and Southeast regions of the United States. Pizzuti also has considerable experience working with local governments in the development of creative public-private partnerships. A leader in sustainable design practices, Pizzuti has completed build-to-suit and speculative construction projects in each of their major markets. Pizzuti Solutions LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary, boasts a staff with more than a century of combined public-sector work experiences, and focuses extensively in the areas of public facilities, sports and recreation, cultural facilities, education and strategic planning.
About Space Florida: Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida’s aerospace development organization, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. www.spaceflorida.gov
