Phase 1 of our two-phase public interpretation facility survived its first major storm with flying colors. When powerful Hurricane Charley struck Pineland on August 13, very few buildings on northern Pine Island were spared significant damages (see In The Eye Of The Storm).

partially constructed pavilion after the storm with not major damage
A direct hit from Hurricane Charley on our partially constructed public facility had virtually no effect. Photo by J. Worth

But our newly constructed pavilion and restrooms were virtually unaffected by the 150-mph sustained winds. The total damage? One bolt rattled loose from the door to the men’s restroom and fell to the floor.

Designed by Fort Myers architect Jeff Mudgett and structural engineer Bob Rude to withstand just such storms, the pavilion complex is anchored deeply into the ground on large pilings. Not only did local contractor Gatewood Custom Carpentry build to the new Florida building codes, it also worked under strict University of Florida building specifications. The drainage and retention ponds designed by Fort Myers engineer Tim Keene also functioned well, accumulating storm waters and draining them efficiently away from the building.

Some people have asked me, “Why does this building have to cost so much?” The best answer is both true and now evident: “Because it is built to last.” We hope to begin the second and final phase of the teaching complex soon, and it will be built to the same demanding standards. But before this can happen, we must raise $100,000. Here is how it breaks down:

PHASE 1 (parking lot, handicap-accessible inclined walkway, pavilion, restrooms and all pilings)

  • Cost: $294,903
  • Needed: $ 0 (completed March 2004)

PHASE 2 (classroom, bookshop, furniture and equipment)

  • Cost: $262,310
  • Funds in hand or pledged: $161,835
  • Needed: $100,475

The needed amount represents less than one fifth of the total building cost. Together we have raised 82% of the $557,213 needed. Please consider a generous gift to the building fund. Gifts in any amount are welcome and appreciated. Gifts of $10,000 and above will be acknowledged on the permanent donor recognition plaque in the classroom. The classroom can be named for a gift of $100,000, the bookshop for a gift of $25,000.

The Randell Research Center goes beyond the Pineland site, the Calusa Heritage Trail, and our present-day research and education efforts. It is an ideal and a commitment — to learn and teach the archaeology, history, and ecology of southwest Florida. We are investing in the future, and we are building to last.

This article was taken from the Friends of the Randell Research Center Newsletter Vol 3, No. 3. pp1-4 September 2004.