Leading construction management firm will manage construction of 250,000 SF, state-of-the-art science museum designed for sustainability

WEST PALM BEACH, FL, March 8, 2010—Suffolk Construction Company, Inc., partnering with Webcor Builders of San Francisco, has been awarded the contract to manage construction of the new 250,000 square-foot Miami Science Museum in Museum Park, Miami, Florida. The key components of the new Miami Science Museum will include a 35,000 square-foot aquarium, a planetarium, and approximately 55,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor science exhibits. The new green Museum was designed as a highly sustainable, LEED-certified building that will reduce costs and serve as a showcase for the most state-of-the-art energy management and control technology in the country. The Selection Panel consisted of the Construction Committee of the Miami Science Museum and representatives of the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County.

“We are excited that the Miami Science Museum chose us to manage this very important project that will highlight the benefits of sustainable design and construction practices,” said Rex Kirby, President and General Manager, Suffolk Construction Southeast Region. “At Suffolk, we recognize that sustainable facilities can have a positive effect on our natural environment, economy, and the health and productivity of building occupants and their surrounding neighborhoods. We look forward to demonstrating our passion for managing sustainable projects, technical knowledge and innovative project management approach on this high-profile project for the region.”

The Miami Science Museum will be constructed concurrently with the Miami Art Museum on adjacent sites, presenting logistical and coordination challenges for all the project teams involved. The Museum site is also located in close proximity to the Metro Mover trolley system, which will require the planning and execution of a comprehensive safety plan.

“With Suffolk and Webcor on board, we are well prepared. Suffolk is a national company with a very strong local track record. Webcor brings invaluable skills to this particular project, from their recent experience in completing the award-winning California Academy of Sciences, one of very few institutions that, like our project, has both an aquarium and a planetarium,” said Gillian Thomas, President and CEO, Miami Science Museum. “We are confident that with their combined experience and the support of the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County, we’re on track to create a unique new museum; a one-of-a-kind facility which will serve as a leading example of sustainable building. We’re proud that Miami Science Museum will not only serve as a world-class Museum for visitors but also that the facility itself will serve to educate people about energy management, design, science and technology.”

The Miami Science Museum project is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2010 and will be completed in early 2014. Suffolk continues to strengthen its relationship with Miami-Dade County and expand its presence in this region — in addition to the Miami Science Museum win, Suffolk is also close to completing the $66.7 million Miami Beach Senior High School and the $88 million North Miami Senior High School.