By NEFBA Staff
It was a beautiful fall day on Oct. 18, 2017, when the Northeast Florida Builders Association broke ground for its new office and events building on Southpoint Parkway.
More than 150 members, elected officials and other friends of NEFBA filled the construction site and could only imagine what the future had in store.
Exactly one year from that date, Oct. 18, 2018, on what the organization hopes will be another beautiful fall day, NEFBA members, elected officials and other friends of NEFBA will celebrate and tour the new office space that will house NEFBA staff, the Apprenticeship Program and NEFBA’s charitable arm, Builders Care.
At the same time, the public is invited to celebrate with free barbecue and drinks at the organization’s annual Beast Feast.
The design of the organization’s new building includes flexible conference and event space, in addition to offices, workstations, informal meeting areas, outdoor event space and ample parking.
Erik Kasper of Kasper Architecture designed the more than 10,000-square-foot structure. Thomas May Construction was the general contractor. The association budgeted $1.9 million for the project, which will be partially funded by the All In! fundraising campaign, headed by past President Andy Chambers.
Topping off the grand opening will be another NEFBA favorite – the annual Beast Feast. Featuring what is hailed as the best barbecue in town, Beast Feast attracts members, city officials, elected officials and candidates for offices and other friends of NEFBA.
Last year more than 250 people filled the parking lot of the offices on Century 21 Drive. It is an opportunity for the public to meet and talk to lawmakers, regulators and other decision-makers.
Make sure to mark your calendar and be a part of this two-for-one celebration as NEFBA begins its 75th year of service to its members, the community and the industry.
The two-pronged event will kick off at 5 p.m. at the new office at 6747 Southpoint Parkway, where NEFBA officials will thank contributors and cut the official “grand opening ribbon.” Participants will be able to tour the new building, eat free barbecue and drink beer and wine. A live band will provide music. The event is scheduled until 8 p.m.
The All In! fundraising campaign has brought in $376,705, with $162,850 of that in cash donations and $213,855 of in-kind contributions. The new building will include a large display in the front lobby listing the names of those who contributed at least $1,000, along with naming rights throughout the facility for those who donated much more toward the campaign.
