Suffolk Construction named as the contractor to build the nine-acre multi-modal hub
Coral Gables, FL (July 24, 2014) – In a unanimous vote on Thursday, July 17, Miami-Dade County Commissioners approved All Aboard Florida's land use plans to construct the highly anticipated nine-acre multi-modal station and transit-oriented development that will be located in the western portion of downtown Miami, just east of Miami-Dade County Hall.
The transportation hub will include a mixed-use development with residential, office, commercial use, and a retail concourse, and will serve as a connector between All Aboard Florida's passengers and Miami's existing public transport systems. All Aboard Florida has selected Boston-based Suffolk Construction, one of the largest, privately-held building contractors in the country, to perform pre-construction and construction management services for its nine-acre multimodal station. Construction activities are expected to begin in late fall.
“This project will be transformational for downtown Miami and the Historic Overtown community. I commend All Aboard Florida on all of its efforts and due diligence to date and for being sensitive to the community's concerns and expectations,” said Miami-Dade County Commissioner Audrey Edmonson. “They've met with me on a regular basis over the past year as the project progressed to seek my input and feedback. I'm excited about the job creation and economic opportunity that will result from the start of construction.”
The passenger rail system will be elevated 50 feet to align with existing public transportation systems and with retail spaces located beneath the tracks. This bold and innovative design allows thru-streets to remain open to traffic and creates an atmosphere of walkability, while creating a landmark terminal-a symbol of 21st century Miami.
“This is definitely a project we want to see happen in the core of downtown. We are optimistic that the project will take us to the next level of urban living,” said Miami-Dade County Commissioner Bruno Barreiro.
“We're thrilled to be named as the construction manager for the All Aboard Florida downtown Miami station,” said Jeff Gouveia Jr., President and General Manager of Suffolk Construction's Southeast Region. “Working on this project is a 'once in a career' opportunity, with respect to an express rail terminus station being built in the center of a major metropolitan city. Our extensive experience includes the management of many major transportation, retail and hospitality projects, making us ideally suited to deliver this project on time and on budget.”
Over the next several months, All Aboard Florida will partner with Suffolk to announce sub-contractor and career opportunities. According to a recent economic impact report, All Aboard Florida is expected to create $6.4 billion in direct economic impact to Florida's economy over the next eight years; $653 million in federal, state, and local government tax revenue through 2021; more than 10,000 jobs on average per year through rail line construction (mid 2014 – mid 2016); and more than 5,000 jobs on average per year after rail line construction is completed through 2021. More specifically, in Miami-Dade County, the project will generate more than 450 rail-line construction jobs between 2014 and 2016, generating $51.4 million in labor income.
“The direct benefits resulting from the start of construction on this privately funded $2+ billion project will lead to a cycle of additional investment and economic opportunity,” said P. Michael Reininger, President and Chief Development Officer of All Aboard Florida. “Once construction begins on the downtown Miami station this fall, the entire community will realize immediate benefits in the form of jobs and commerce infused throughout the entire county. We will soon announce the additional opportunities that will become available as the program unfolds.”
About All Aboard Florida
All Aboard Florida is an intercity passenger rail project being developed by Florida East Coast Industries, Inc. (FECI) – owner of Florida's premier passenger rail corridor – that will connect Miami to Orlando with intermediate stations in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. This rail service will give Floridians and visitors a viable transportation alternative to congested highways and airport terminals. All Aboard Florida will provide a high?quality experience for passengers and will be the first privately owned, operated, and maintained passenger rail system in the United States. For more information, visit www.AllAboardFlorida.com.
About Florida East Coast Industries
Florida East Coast Industries, LLC (FECI) is one of Florida's oldest and largest full-service commercial real estate, transportation, and infrastructure companies. Headquartered in Coral Gables, Fla., FECI has a rich history dating back over a century. Mr. Henry Flagler first established a predecessor company in 1892, which became a pioneer in the development of Florida's eastern coast. Today, FECI continues to transform Florida as the parent company to four distinct business lines including Flagler, a full-service commercial real estate company; All Aboard Florida, the United States' first privately owned and operated intercity passenger rail system; Flagler Global Logistics, an integrated logistics company that offers a wide range of logistics services and real estate solutions; and Parallel Infrastructure, a leader in third-party Right of Way (ROW) investments and management services. FECI is owned by private equity funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group, LLC. For more information, visit www.feci.com.
About Suffolk Construction
Suffolk Construction is one of the largest privately held building contractors in the country. With annual revenue of $2 billion, Suffolk provides preconstruction, construction management, design-build, and general contracting services to clients in the transportation, healthcare, science and technology, education, federal government, and commercial sectors. This year, Engineering-News Record ranked Suffolk #34 on its national list of “Top 400 Contractors.” Suffolk's corporate office is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and the company has a strong national presence with main offices throughout the Northeast, Southeast and West regions.
Suffolk is committed to delivering its “build smart” approach to construction management on every project. The company's project teams provide clients comprehensive planning services, innovative solutions and technologies, and proven processes, such as Lean Construction principles and virtual design and construction (VDC), to deliver the most complex building construction projects on schedule and on budget, with minimal risk.
Suffolk is a community-conscious organization dedicated to environmentally friendly and sustainable business practices, and is committed to making a positive impact in its local communities through grassroots volunteer work, employee fundraising, and corporate giving. For more information, visit www.suffolk.com and/or follow Suffolk on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.