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.

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. (O‑A‑K), a leading construction management company with deep roots in Southwest Florida, has broken ground on the much-anticipated expansion of Cape Coral Technical College (CCTC). The project marks the first major addition to the campus since it was built in 1993 and represents a major investment in workforce development for one of Florida’s fastest-growing cities.

The new 34,400-square-foot facility, located along Santa Barbara Boulevard, will house state-of-the-art programs in construction, welding, HVAC, automotive repair, and marine technology. The expansion introduces six new skilled-trades programs, creating opportunities for more than 150 students annually to earn certificates in high-demand industries that are vital to Lee County’s economy.

“This project is about building opportunity for our community,” said Charlie Pease, Director of Cape Coral Technical College. “Cape Coral is projected to reach nearly 400,000 residents in the next 25 years, and this expansion will ensure we have a pipeline of skilled workers ready to meet that demand.”

The programs were designed in collaboration with local industry partners to directly address workforce shortages in Southwest Florida. Graduates will be prepared to step immediately into careers in critical trades, many after just one year of training. The school will also expand its dual enrollment program, allowing high school seniors to simultaneously complete industry certifications and prepare for the workforce.

Matthew Zwack, Florida division president of Owen‑Ames‑Kimball, said, “O‑A‑K is proud to partner with The School District of Lee County on a project that invests directly in the future of Cape Coral. Workforce training is the foundation of a strong local economy, and this new facility will give students the skills to succeed while helping our community meet the demands of rapid growth.”

The $21 million project is scheduled for completion in August 2026, ensuring that future technicians, mechanics, and tradespeople will be ready to support the continued growth of Cape Coral and Lee County.

In addition to O‑A‑K, the project team includes ADG Architecture and Lee County Electric Cooperative as the project’s power partner.

O‑A‑K has served as construction manager for numerous education and workforce training projects across Southwest Florida.

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. 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.

Our leadership team came together across three states with one shared purpose—strengthening our future as One O‑A‑K. Wherever we are, we’re stronger together.