Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. Breaks Ground on State-of-the-Art Harkey Sea Turtle Complex at CROW

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. (O‑A‑K), a leading construction management company with deep roots in Southwest Florida, is proud to announce the groundbreaking of the new Harkey Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Complex at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) on Sanibel Island. The ceremony, held on World Sea Turtle Day, marks a significant milestone for marine wildlife conservation along Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Replacing CROW’s original turtle care building, which was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022, the 2,620-square-foot facility will be the only licensed sea turtle rehabilitation center between Sarasota and the Florida Keys. Once completed, it will serve as a vital hub for the rescue, rehabilitation, and research of threatened and endangered sea turtle species.

The Harkey Sea Turtle Complex will feature four advanced oval rehabilitation tanks with specialized life support systems, and a unique fly-away tank for hatchlings. Expanded spaces will also support long-term care, research, and educational outreach for marine wildlife conservation.

“The Harkey Sea Turtle Complex will allow us to care for more sea turtles with greater efficiency and expertise, while also expanding our capacity for research and education,” said Alison Charney Hussey, Executive Director of CROW. “We are incredibly grateful to the Harkeys, our project partners, and our community for helping turn this vision into a reality.”

“Owen‑Ames‑Kimball is honored to help rebuild this vital facility,” said Matthew Zwack, President of Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Florida. “This project is not just about construction — it’s about restoring hope after Hurricane Ian and supporting CROW’s conservation efforts that make our region so special. We’re proud to partner with CROW to protect these incredible animals and the environment they call home.”

The project is funded in part by a $1.2 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and a major gift from longtime CROW supporters Bill and Laurie Harkey.

In addition to Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. as construction manager, the project team includes Colliers Development Services as project management representative, Joyce Owens Architecture as architect, and ALSI Life Support Systems for aquatic tank design and engineering.

Construction is now underway and the Harkey Sea Turtle Complex is expected to be completed by late 2025.

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Company has provided premier general contracting, design-build, and construction management services in Southwest Florida since 1982. O‑A‑K specializes in community-driven construction projects and offers an inclusive, intentional, and customized experience. An employee-owned company, O‑A‑K Florida, Inc.'s board of directors comprises members from the company's Florida operations.

O‑A‑K’s Florida operation is an affiliate of its parent company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with offices in Collier and Lee counties. Its Lee County office is located at 11941 Fairway Lakes Drive in Fort Myers. Learn more about O‑A‑K at www.owen‑ames‑kimball.com or call (239) 561-4141.