Holy Family ready to roll

The project to transform Apalachicola’s former Holy Family School into a full-service senior center may be delayed, but it won’t be denied.

Nearly two-and-one-half years since the city was first awarded funds for renovation, and after a brief interruption last year due to a billing dispute, the $1.5 million project is moving full speed head this month, with a promise to have it completed by year’s end, the state-mandated deadline for construction.

“They (the contractors) say they can still meet the time frame,” City Administrator Betty Webb told city commissioners Tuesday night.

In Nov. 2008, the city received a $1.5 million state grant from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs to renovate the 83-year-old center, first built in August 1928. The Holy Family School operated there until 1964 as a mission for black children and their families by the Sisters of Mercy, originally from New Orleans, who offered a kindergarten through eighth grade education as an alternative to the segregated public school system at the time.

“For decades, this building and its purpose shined as a beacon of light – ministering to both the soul and intellect of the local African-American community,” said Mayor Van Johnson, at a groundbreaking ceremony Feb. 26 during the African-African History Festival.

“Today we begin the process of resuscitating this old facility – breathing new life into its hallowed halls and filling the rooms with African-American history and the laughter of our seniors,” he said.

The state grant was part of $10 million authorized by the 2008 Florida Legislature for new construction, repairs and maintenance at senior centers around the state.

The city of Apalachicola used Florida Forever money, targeted for water reuse, to obtain the Holy Family building in 2004 years ago from the archdiocese, which kept the facility open as a community center until it no longer could be operated safely.

The city spent $50,000 in Tourist Development Council money a few years ago to complete the new roof over the sanctuary but beyond that, the building will need to be made handicap accessible, with completion of the new roof, new electrical and plumbing work, an addition for kitchen facilities, and parking, as well as several interior design modifications.

The new senior center, at 203 Seventh Street, will house such services as care management planning, Meals on Wheels, congregate meals prepared on site, activities, in-home care giving, homemaking services, respite care, caregiver assistance, adult day care and information and referral services.

Peter Brown Construction was chosen earlier this year from 11 proposals, edging out Poloronis Construction and PSBI, the former ProSteel, who were the two other top-ranked firms.

After Peter Brown secured bids from subcontractors on the various elements of the project, the Tallahassee-based construction company settled with the city on a guaranteed maximum price of $1.24 million, which includes the 5 percent contingency.

The price covers the renovation of the existing Holy Family building, but does not include the original plan to erect an addition off to the side for office space, adjacent to the building but not attached.

Cost of JRA’s architectural services, and that of engineer Bailey Bishop and Lane, consumed an additional $157,640, so that only $72,000 has not yet been earmarked from the original grant.

Webb said one alternative for that additional money is to add acoustic ceilings in a portion of the rear, at a cost of $4,242, and to add additional food service equipment, at a cost of $66,804

“That’s what we would love to do,” said Webb. “Right now we’re in a very tight budget.”

Webb told commissioners Peter Brown was awaiting signed contracts from each of its subcontractors, who include a number of local firms.

Franklin County subcontractors include Jones Stucco and Plaster, LLC, of Apalachicola, which will handle the painting and stucco work, while Alternative Electric LLC, of Eastpoint, will handle the electrical. Coastline Clearing and Development, of Eastpoint, will perform site prep work.

Other subcontractors include B and T Fencing, of Tallahassee; C and C Fire Protection Inc, of Youngstown; Great Southern Demolition Inc, of Tallahassee; Spectra Contract Flooring; Sperry Concrete; Acoustic Engineering Inc.; Oliver Renovation, of Tallahassee, for general trades; Corry Cabinet Company, Inc., of Havana, for architectural woodwork; Peter Brown for masonry; Nelson and Affiliates, Inc, of Tallahassee, for drywall; Moore Warren Equipment Co, of Dothan, Ala., for food service; Keith Lawson Co. Inc, of Tallahassee, for plumbing; and Lang Mechanical Inc, of Thomasville, Ga., for heating and air conditioning.

Webb said the contractor is shooting for completion of the entire project by Thanksgiving. “I hope every day in anticipation,” said Johnson.

Commissioner Brenda Ash urged Webb to bring in volunteers to assist in shaping the project, “perhaps do some landscaping for that area.

“Keep that in mind, to get the community involved,” Ash said.