Eckerd College Zeta Dormitory Lounge Renovation St. Petersburg, Florida         This project for Eckerd College consisted of renovations to a 1500 square foot common lounge space.    New amenities include kitchen, dining, lounge and study spaces for use by the 132 residents of Zeta Dorm.    The project creates a contemporary lounge space that establishes an identity for Zeta, and encourages social interaction and a sense of community for the residents.    The design accentuates four distinct elements, utilizing innovative materials and building assemblies, such as translucent acrylic panels, colored glass, custom walnut millwork, dye-stained and polished concrete, and stainless wall and ceiling elements.         May we help you with your new project?     Hennessy will partner with you for the journey. "90 Years Strong!  Building Trust" is more than just a slogan - it is how our clients feel during every step of the process.

Permitting Pitfalls

In today’s economic climate getting a permit can be as much of a challenge as getting the Job. Permitting authorities are facing unprecedented cuts to their operating budgets. This is due to several reasons such as the reduction of revenue caused by the drop in taxable real-estate value. The forecast does not look good for these authorities as economists continue to see slow growth in real-estate values. The authorities have cut staff to the bone. In some cases I see only one plan reviewer where their used to be 2 or more. This is leading to extended review times. Some authorities are offering expedited services at a premium added cost. However as these programs become popular review times will extend further even with a so-called expedited permit application.

So what are our options? Private provider can be a good option but it will add cost to the project. Depending on your timeframe and budget most clients will prefer to avoid these extra costs. Another option is through pre-construction drawing review; this requires a managed approach but will cut down on review comments. Pre-submittal meetings with the individual authorities, getting the design professionals in the room with the plan reviewers will greatly reduce review time and plan re-submittal. These options won’t work for every job but being ready for the obstacles ahead can reduce your frustration and the frustration of the client. Make sure you communicate with your permitting authority well in advance of plan submittal review, times can change daily.

At Hennessy I track our permits and follow them through plan review. Over the years I have become familiar with the staff and how each municipality works. This does reduce the amount of time a set of plans sits waiting to be reviewed. Because of my familiarity with their process I can help guide plans through review and reduce delays in revisions. Knowing your way around goes a long way in navigating a project through the current difficulties.

Recently Hennessy did some renovation work for the St. Pete Free Clinic Beacon House Men’s Dorm. This was a difficult project to permit with no budget being a nonprofit. The project had been in limbo for nearly a year before we were asked to help. Because of my relationship with the City and working closely with the designers we were able to overcome the obstacles’ preventing the project from being permitted. Within a short amount of time we were able to secure the permit and begin the much needed renovation.

We at Hennessy take great pride in helping our clients and design partners overcome challenges with their projects. We always work hard to insure a quality and timely project for our clients.

By John Poloney

Project Engineer 12 years with Hennessy

Old Company, New Tricks || Gulf Coast Business Review | Tampa Bay, Bradenton, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples

Old Company, New Tricks || Gulf Coast Business Review | Tampa Bay, Bradenton, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples

2011 Kingfish Tournament Results

Hennessy Construction Services 15th Annual HCS Kingfish Tournament R E S U L T S  Also sporting a winning smile, Travis Brazil shows off his first-place-winning, 24.40 Kingfish entry. Travis walked away with $4,875 in the Winner-Takes-All event. From l to r:  Wayne Lester, Jerry Brazil, and Travis Brazil from the J&K Electric Team. Cal Hunter from the Westshore Properties' Team caught this year's winning Calcutta entry, a 21.45 lb. Amberjack, worth $3,300. From l to r:  Steve Tucker, Kevin Schmidt, Cal Hunter (blue shirt), Kim Pentz, Samantha Stewart, Hennessy's Bronson Alexander, and Randy Stewart. Ed Mills, West Coast Foundation Team, won the 15th place Kingfish prize of $250 for a 5.3 lb. Kingfish. Pictured above are Rick Smith and Ed Mills with tournament host, Bronson Alexander. 15th Annual HCS Kingfish Tournament Recap What a full, fun, adventurous day for a Kingfish Tournament!  With a big weather front moving in, it was hard to predict how this year's Tournament would evolve. The morning breeze gave way to a thunderstorm, which moved through shortly before the check-in deadline. After that, the skies cleared and we experienced very pleasant weather.  Thirty-five of the 52 registered boaters appeared at the Madeira Beach Elk's Lodge for the Weigh-In party.  A great buffet and live music were provided by the Elk's Lodge, followed by the Weigh-In and photos.  Many door prizes donated by local businesses (see the listing below of our generous contributors) were given away and, of course, many tales were shared of the big contender that got away.  Thanks to everyone who participated in the 15th Annual HCS Kingfish Tournament.    To visit the Hennessy Kingfish web site for more photos, click on Kingfish website.    If you would like to receive e-mails for our future tournament and announcements, please click here.      Hope to see you for next year's 16th HCS Kingfish Tournament! Penny Santner Hennessy Construction Services psantner@hcsfl.com 727-821-3223, 123 A Special Thanks to the following businesses for their donations:  A Cut Above, Madeira Beach - Shirley McClearnon . . . Two Free Haircuts, Two Free Weeks Tanning Bob Lees, St. Petersburg - Todd Moran . . . One Electro Aquamate Marine Battery Bond Thomas Chiropractic, St. Petersburg - Bond Thomas . . . One Tri-Core Cervical Support Pillow  Two Free Consulations, Evaluations & X-rays Don CeSar Resort Hotel, St. Pete Beach - John Jones . . . One Night Stay for Two Douthitt Construction, Oldsmar - Chris Douthitt . . . One Eagle Eyes Sunglasses, One SS Mate's Pliers One SS Fillet Knife  HoneyBaked Ham, Tampa - David Bishop . . . One 7-lb. HoneyBaked Ham Jiffy Reprographics, Clearwater - Bob Roperti . . . Decals for Buckets & Tags for Prizes, Okuma 30 Reel Jim & Slim's Tool Supply, Kirk Burzynski . . . Five $20 Jim & Slim's Tool Supply Gift Certificates Two Allen Socket Sets, One Allen Screwdriver Set Mason Blau & Associates, Clearwater - Mike Mason . . . Two Rays Baseball Lower Box Seat Tickets &  One Parking Pass  Mastry's Bait &  Tackle, St. Petersburag - Larry Mastry . . . One Penn Slammer Rod Poole & Kent,  Tampa - Nick Angerosa . . . One $75 West Marine Gift Certificate Stonewood Grill &  Tavern, North Sarasota - Sam Aguilar . . . Four $25 Stonewood Grill Gift Certificates T.A. Mahoney, Tampa - Tarin Silkworth . . . One Taco 24' Spread Menhaden Cast Net Wall Doctors,  St. Petersburg - Don Bain . . . 75 Five-gallon Buckets Wells Fargo Insurance, Clearwater - Jim Henderson . . . $25 Gift Certificates to Carrabbas's, Outback, Bonefish Grill, Cracker Barrel, Ruby Tuesday's, Olive Garden, P.F. Chang's, Chili's White Cap Construction Supply, Tampa - Barrie Coates . . . One Stanley 24" FatMax Level One Brigade Socket Set

Hennessy Turn 90 St. Petersburg Times Article

Hennessy Construction is proud to Announce the Jordan Elementary Renovation has received it's LEED Silver Certificate.

Hennessy Construction is proud to Announce the Jordan Elementary Renovation has received it's LEED Silver Certificate. 

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As one of our LEED projects, the project team diverted 95% of the waste.  This means 95% of the trash that would have ended up in a land fill has been recycled. In fact, much of the building's floors and wood supports, over 14 tons worth, were made of hearts of pine. This gorgeous 90-year-old wood was saved, ripped down and reused as trim work and flooring at another Hennessy project. Another impressive feature of this "green" building is the solar heaters and photovoltaic system which is housed on the roof.  The solar water heaters use the sun's rays to heat water and cycle it throughout the entire building.  Turn on a faucet in this building and you won't be waiting for the water to heat up. Additionally, the photovoltaic system stores the energy collected from the sun to help power the building.  There aren't enough panels to power the entire building, but they do drastically reduce the cost of powering it.

Children ranging in age from two to five spend their days playing and learning in one of the six classrooms that are housed on the first floor.  The first floor also includes restrooms, a large open air hallway and an elevator vestibule.  Each classroom features several coat closets reminiscent of the 1920's style, including a weighted sash operating system for the doors, which slide up to save space instead of opening out into the classroom.  As many of the original structural elements as possible were saved and reincorporated into the building.  The coat racks were salvaged and have been cleaned up to be used by several more generations of children.
 

The second floor of the facility has been designated for Administrative use.  It contains a sick room, break room, Intake offices, conference room and a special area for parents that provides computer access so they can look for employment and attain their GEDs. One more great service to the people of St. Petersburg and another successful project for Hennessy.

To see more photos of the construction process, please visit the Jordan Schoolphoto gallery.

Building of America Network Honors Jordan School Restoration

 

 

Building of America Network Honors Jordan School Restoration

Farmington Hills, MI — From hundreds of submitted projects, only the best have been selected as Building of America award winners.  The award honors thecountry’s most innovative, unique and challenging projects — projects that are particularly noteworthy and/or that give back to their respective communities.The Jordan School Restoration project is now available for viewing online at

http://www.buildingofamerica.com/news/articles/ef/1110/jordanSchool/index.html

You may use this embedded link on your company website. 

The Building of America award-winning projects represent the best in new construction and renovation in a wide variety of categories including commercial and retail, mixed-use, multifamily residential, government, transportation/infrastructure, health care, education, religious, historical restoration and more.  Submitted projects are reviewed by a selection committee that is looking for projects with unique design or construction elements; innovative solutions to challenges including financing, environmental, and zoning; efficient and cost-effective methods of planning and execution; and/or have a significant economical impact on the region, among others.

The Building of America Network is an essential link, bringing owners
together with the design and construction industry nationwide by profiling
new construction and renovation projects in a case-study format.  Owners can read, in the words of other owners, architects and general contractors, about the newest facilities joining the landscape in their respective region.   More importantly, the case studies provide a tool to help owners learn from one another’s experiences. The website combines more than 50,000 links and millions of searches each year.

With more than a decade of experience, The Building of America Network has been publishing since 1996.  For more information about our company, how to submit a project for consideration and how you can get involved in future editions, visit www.buildingofamerica.com
or contact Julie Zulch at 248-200-3315 (jzulch@buildingofamerica.com)
or Sheila Kamin at 248-200-3343 (sheilak@buildingofamerica.com)

 

Boat Safety

The warming of our Florida weather signals the beginning of fishing/boating season.  With this in mind, our blog for this month is a reprint of an article from BoatSafety.com.  

WHAT TO DO BEFORE SETTING OFF:

• Check the weather forecast by: 
• Listening to the shipping or local radio forecast or by tuning into the weather channel or your local TV station.
• Checking the latest marine forecast (Marine Weather on this site). 
• Telephoning the Coastguard or listening to the weather reports on the VHF. 
• Check the condition of the boat and its equipment.
• Ensure the engine is well maintained. Carry a tool kit and essential spares.
• Ensure safety equipment is provided for all on board.
• Check on local conditions e.g. tide races, areas of shallow water and know the "Rules of the Road" - Your life may depend on it.
• Obtain relevant charts and tide tables. 
• Plan the trip: 
• How long will it take? 
• Who will keep watch? 
• What access do you have to safe havens en route? 
• What are the alternatives? 

OTHER IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS:

• File a float plan with someone you can trust - the Coast Guard recommends a friend, family member or other responsible party.
• Include departure and arrival times. 
• Point of destination and route. 
• Description of the boat. 
• Names of all persons on board and a contact number ashore.
• If you change any of the above, remember to inform your contact ashore and be sure to call when you are safely back into port. 
• Ensure that parked vehicles and trailers do not obstruct slipways or access for emergency vehicles/lifeboats and are above the high water mark.
• Know your limitations:
• Sail within your own ability and that of your crew. 
• Ensure you have sufficient experienced crew for the trip, particularly if it is overnight.
• Know the limitations of your boat. 
• Do not overload the boat as it will make it unstable.

BE SAFE AFLOAT

• Lifejackets and safety harnesses are essential and should be provided for everyone on board. They could ensure your survival, but only if worn. Last year, in the U.S., 80% of all boating fatalities involved people who were not wearing life jackets. 
• Ensure sets of warm and protective clothing are available including sunglasses. 
• Everyone must know what to do in a man overboard situation - It could be YOU 
• Check out "Man Overboard" for more information.
• Advice on carrying additional safety equipment can be obtained from any of the participating organizations. The lives of your family must be worth a phone call. 

HOW TO ATTRACT ATTENTION IN AN EMERGENCY

• A VHF radio, which can be a portable (limited range, however), will enable you to summon help by calling the Coastguard on channel 16. This may also alert other vessels in your vicinity who may be able to provide assistance. If you are in an emergency situation involving injury or potential loss of property, issue a Mayday call on channel 16. Do NOT allow anyone other than the Coast Guard to move you to a different frequency. For more information view the "Communications Page" on the Boating Safety website. Check out "use of the VHF" for proper mayday procedures.
• If you use a VHF radio you no longer need to obtain an operators license if it is only used for recreational purposes. 
• Carry a portable foghorn and use the whistle fitted to your lifejacket to attract attention if necessary 

CARRY AN ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF PROPULSION AND A SPARE CAN OF FUEL

• A set of oars or a small auxiliary outboard are advisable. 
• A spare can of fuel is essential and should be clearly marked if different types are carried, e.g. gas or diesel. 
• Always carry a tow-rope and ensure you have a strong towing point in the fore end of the boat. 
•  Because of the cost of commercial marine towing, we recommend that you obtain some form of towing protection.

CARRY A FIRST AID KIT, A TORCH AND IN-DATE DISTRESS FLARES

• Day and night distress flares are essential, instructions for their safe use are printed on the side, read these and understand them - It is too late on a dark and stormy night 
• Our on-line boating safety course provides more information on the use visual distress signals.
• A first aid kit and basic first aid knowledge can prove invaluable until professional assistance arrives. 
• Keep all your essential small gear in a watertight container 
• In any sort of emergency, call the Coast Guard on VHF channel 16.

CARRY AN IN-DATE FIRE EXTINGUISHER, A BAILER AND AN ANCHOR WITH ADEQUATE CHAIN AND ROPE

• A length of chain adds weight to the anchor and will improve its holding capability. 
• Ensure your anchor cable is of sufficient length for the area in which you are sailing. 
• A radar reflector on a yacht will assist with detection by other vessels, particularly in reduced visibility. 

BE AWARE

• Keep a good look out at all times and be aware of your surroundings 
• Be sensible about drinking alcohol - it will impair your judgement 
• If you smoke be careful - a fire at sea can be disastrous 
• Always turn cooking gas bottles off at source when not in use. 

KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEATHER AND SEA CONDITIONS. SEEK SHELTER IN GOOD TIME

• Do not press on regardless - make for a safe haven in good time.
• If in doubt, call for help - don't wait until it's too late! 
• Remember - it is easier to find you and provide assistance in daylight than in darkness. An on-board GPS will provide invaluable position information should you ever need assistance. With the cost as low as it is, we strongly recommend that every boater have a GPS on board. 

Posted by: Carla Olstrom

Carla, our Accounts Payable Administrator (a.k.a. – The Check Lady), has been with Hennessy Construction for nearly seven years.  In addition to boating, Carla enjoys spending time spoiling her adorable nieces.