Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Begins Construction on Our Lady of Mercy Parish Life Center

June 7, 2021

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Begins Construction on Our Lady of Mercy Parish Life Center

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Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Company (O‑A‑K), a preeminent general contractor with a longstanding presence in Southwest Florida, has begun construction on Our Lady of Mercy Parish Life Center in Boca Grande. The new parish center will be built at 221 West Railroad Avenue, just south of the church campus on Park Avenue.

The proposed parish center is designed to blend into the existing Our Lady of Mercy style of architecture. The new center will be 3,604 square feet with a vestibule, commercial kitchen, and almost 2,000 square feet of open meeting area. A sloped covered walkway will connect the existing church to the new center. The project includes demolition of an existing residence on the property, a crushed granite parking lot, sidewalk, and landscaping. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

"During season, the church is filled five times a day and on many occasions, with standing room only," said Rev. Jerome A. Carosella, pastor at Our Lady of Mercy. "We will have the potential to simulcast services from the church to the Parish Life Center. In addition, rather than congregating outside the church, our new building will allow parishioners to gather in the indoor space as well as attending other church functions."

The O‑A‑K project manager is John Klockner and the site superintendent is Larry Walther. Abel Natali, O‑A‑K vice president, is the chief estimator. The architect is Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP.

An employee-owned company, O‑A‑K Florida, Inc.'s Board of Directors is comprised of members from the company's Florida operations. Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Company has provided premier general contracting, design-build, and construction management services in Southwest Florida since 1982.

O‑A‑K's Florida operation is an affiliate of its parent company located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Florida operation has 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.

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Cory O’Donnell, Marketing Manager at Owen‑Ames‑Kimball (O‑A‑K), has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce, further strengthening the company’s long-standing commitment to the Cape Coral business community and regional partnerships.

O’Donnell brings more than 20 years of experience in communications, marketing, and community engagement in Southwest Florida. In his role at O‑A‑K, he leads storytelling, brand strategy, and community outreach efforts, helping connect the company’s projects and people with the communities they serve.

His involvement with the Chamber extends beyond board service. O’Donnell currently serves on the Chamber’s Education Committee and has been a visible advocate for student achievement, acting as emcee for the 33rd Annual Cape Coral Chamber Excellence in Education Awards in 2025 and returning in May 2026. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship Fund, supporting local students in pursuing higher education.

In addition to his Chamber leadership, O’Donnell has played an active role in regional development and professional organizations. He previously served on the management committee for ULI Southwest Florida and co-chaired its Communications Committee, helping shape conversations around smart growth and community development across the region. He is a former member of The News-Press/Naples News Editorial Board, the founder and former chair of The News-Press Young Professionals Advisory Board and a Leadership SWFL and Leadership Cape Coral alumni.

“Cory’s appointment reflects both his personal dedication to this community and O‑A‑K’s belief in being more than a builder — we are partners in the places where we work,” said Jim Hopper, Florida Division President, Owen‑Ames‑Kimball. “His passion for education, communication, and community connection aligns perfectly with the Chamber’s mission to strengthen local businesses and our regional economy.”

O’Donnell was officially sworn in alongside fellow board members and trustees during the Cape Coral Chamber’s Chairman’s Gala on January 31. At the same event, O‑A‑K was honored as a finalist for Large Business of the Year — a recognition that underscores the company’s continued investment in Cape Coral and its support of local businesses and community initiatives.

Through O’Donnell’s leadership and service, O‑A‑K continues to deepen its roots in Cape Coral, reinforcing its commitment to building not only high-quality facilities, but also lasting community relationships.

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Owen‑Ames‑Kimball (O‑A‑K) Florida Division, an employee-owned construction firm serving Southwest Florida since 1982, is pleased to announce that Keri Looker has joined the team as Business Development Manager for Naples and Collier County.

Looker brings more than 20 years of marketing, business development, and client-focused experience in the Southwest Florida architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. In her new role, she will lead growth initiatives and expand O‑A‑K’s presence in the Collier County market, with a focus on cultivating long-term relationships and new opportunities across sectors including education, healthcare, aviation, government, and private development.

She most recently served as Director of Marketing for Naples-based RWA, Inc., where she led strategic business development, branding, and client engagement efforts for civil engineering and land planning projects throughout Collier and Lee counties.

“Keri’s deep understanding of the Southwest Florida market, combined with her strategic mindset and relationship-driven approach, makes her an excellent addition to our Florida Division,” said Jim Hopper, President of Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Florida Division. “She brings energy, insight, and a genuine commitment to community that aligns perfectly with our values. We are excited to have her on board as we continue to grow our presence in Collier County and the region.”

As Business Development Manager, Looker plays a vital role within O‑A‑K’s Business Development & Marketing department and works closely with the Sr. Director of Business Development & Marketing, Client Relations, Preconstruction, and Operations leadership to position the firm as the builder of choice in Southwest Florida. The role goes beyond traditional sales, offering a strategic opportunity to influence market direction, strengthen community partnerships, and support O‑A‑K’s long-term growth.

Looker holds a Master of Business Administration from Florida Gulf Coast University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Florida’s Coggin College of Business. She is actively involved in the Collier Building Industry Foundation, the Collier County Community Land Trust, and Urban Land Institute Southwest Florida, reflecting her commitment to responsible growth and community building.

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O‑A‑K’s Florida Division is an affiliate of its parent company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with offices in Collier and Lee counties. Its Collier County office is located at 5100 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 103, Naples, FL 34103. To learn more about O‑A‑K, visit www.owen‑ames‑kimball.com or call (239) 304-9746.

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