Department General Services Regional Service Center Ft. Myers, Florida
Client: State of Florida, Department of General Services
Location: 2295 Victoria Avenue
Site: A 6.7 acre urban site surrounded by low-rise residential and commercial buildings. The site had several existing specimen trees.
Program Challenge: The challenge was to design a 232,000 square foot office building and a 620-car parking garage. The building needed to accommodate multiple tenants with extensive meeting, training, and instructional areas; conference facilities; administrative offices; and food service and shipping/receiving facilities.
Solution: Rowe Architects designed the structure to respond appropriately to the urban environment while serving as a transition between the residences in the neighborhood and the taller business and government buildings nearby. A three story design, as well as the use of Florida keystone, brick masonry, standing seam metal roofing, and existing vegetation, helped meet those goals. The center is planned around existing specimen trees in an inner courtyard defined by two three-story wings connected by an octagonal entrance rotunda. The rotunda, the building's major entry and public lobby space, signifies the public government identity of the building and serves as a landmark on a major vehicular entry into downtown Fort Myers. The white freestanding stair towers, constructed of architectural steel, were inspired by the nautical heritage of the area. Covered walkways and broad overhangs shield the building and its users from the coastal area’s strong sunlight and heavy rains. The semi-public courtyard provides both shaded and sunny spaces for dining, breaks and contemplation. The building’s Florida keystone base and accents are complemented by white steel framing, light gray brick, and a warm, gray standing seam metal roof.
The project was bid in phases and fast-tracked with multiple overlapping contracts. It was completed 12% under budget and six months ahead of schedule. It was also honored with a variety of awards: the 1990 Un-built Design Award from AIA Tampa Bay, the 1992 AIA Tampa Bay Merit Awards from both the Lay Jury and the Peer Jury, and the 1992 Award for Excellence from AIA Florida. The project was also featured in the June 1992 issue of Architecture magazine.