University of Florida Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience
Marineland, FL
Founded in 1974, the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience has been a hub of education, environmental awareness, and important research. In recent years, the need for more advanced efforts in conservation and research has become apparent. The University of Florida aims to meet this necessity by expanding the Whitney Laboratory, adding state-of-the-art research labs, dedicated classrooms, and a sea turtle hospital.
When the project began in 2021, UF reached out to JBPro to work alongside the architect, Lord Aeck Sargent, in permitting and designing the project, and to provide civil engineering services with our environmental training and protection. In 2024, construction began on this groundbreaking project, and we are excited to share our partnership with the University of Florida in making the completion of this project possible.
How JBPro Served This Project
For the project, JBPro provided civil engineering services in close coordination and collaboration with the University of Florida Planning, Design, and Construction Department. Our civil team designed the stormwater collection and management system, site sanitary sewer and potable water system improvements, exterior site fire lines issues, and permitted the water and wastewater connections with the local utility provider.
As part of a larger design team, JBPro worked closely with the MEP engineers to depict primary and secondary electric services and communication services for the facility. Additionally, to support the project progression from design to construction, JBPro also provided in-house topographic surveying and construction services.
We were grateful and honored for the opportunity to partner with the University of Florida, a research leader in the field of conservation and environmental protection. This project will serve as a testament to what is possible when like-minded teams and individuals work together to create a space that will further our knowledge of wildlife protection while preserving the delicate ecosystem around the construction site.
When asked about the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience expansion, our project manager, Tim Boehlein, had this to say about the endeavour:
“This was one of the most interesting projects we have had the pleasure to work on. The project had significant challenges due to the existing infrastructure limitations, saltwater ponds, and proximity to the Matanzas River and Atlantic Ocean. The project required significant collaboration with the architecture team and University of Florida researchers due to the unique uses of the building. We are extremely proud of how this project turned out and excited for all of the future students and researchers who will have the opportunity to utilize the building.“