by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
“This is basically what we do every day, but it’s on a different scale and different materials. We can make anything out of wood or concrete, but cans are a challenge,” said Nicky Nanji from RS&H as he worked on the engineering firm’s contribution to the 8th Annual Jacksonville Canstruction competition benefiting the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Florida.
Canstruction Jacksonville is part of a nationwide event that allows professionals from the design, engineering and construction industries to have some fun while helping feed hungry people in their communities.
Linda Haymond-Bock from Skanska said vendors and subcontractors donated the cans and boxes that were used to create “The Cat in the Can” — an interpretation of an iconic Dr. Seuss character. After the display is dismantled, all 1,900 cans of tuna, soup and tomato sauce will be delivered to Second Harvest.
The Haskell Company has participated in Jacksonville’s Canstruction campaign every year since it debuted eight years ago. Past themes have included “Feeding Nemo” and “Veggie Tales” and one year a map of the United States was constructed from canned goods containing each state’s signature food.
“Wall-E” is this year’s Haskell Canstruction project.
“We try to come up with a theme that will appeal to children and we have a lot of fun doing it,” said electrical designer Dominique Caldron.
One display that won’t be headed straight to the food bank is a replica of the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course, which was designed and built by a team from Connelly & Wicker. More than two tons of food donated to the effort by The Players Championship will be carefully disassembled and stored until the week before this year’s tournament when the replica of the island green will be reassembled and put on display at the Landing.
“This is our first year at Canstruction so we wanted to go big,” said engineer Zach Brecht.
Each display at the Main Library is built entirely of non-perishable food items which are donated to Second Harvest when the exhibit closes March 12. Last year’s event generated almost 17,000 pounds of food for Second Harvest which equates to more than 11,000 meals for families in need. In its eight-year history in Jacksonville, Canstruction has resulted in more than 89,000 pounds of food collected and distributed to more than 500 nonprofit organizations in 18 North Florida counties.
The Jacksonville Canstruction People’s Choice Award, based on votes cast by library visitors, will be presented Thursday at 5:30 at the Gala Awards Reception at the Main Library. The creations are also evaluated by a panel of judges who will present awards for Structural Integrity, Best Use of Labels, Jurors’ Favorite and Best Meal. This year’s panel includes Robert Arleigh White, executive director of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, Christopher Noel, president of the American Institute of Architects Jacksonville chapter and senior vice president at TTV Architects and Larry Wilson, senior principal at Rink Design.
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