Willis Smith's impact on community still under construction

It's easy to say Willis Smith Construction is willing to work with Snooty clients.

While that, obviously, is a shameless use of a one-liner, it is nonetheless true.

Anyone who lives in the Sarasota-Manatee counties area understands the Lakewood Ranch company is about more than four walls and a ceiling.

With the type of projects Willis Smith tackles, it certainly isn't discouraged when it can't put into effect the wham bam process of building.

Consider, for instance, the announcement in early July that Willis Smith was awarded the construction management at risk contract for the South Florida Museum expansion and renovation project.

Many of us might identify that site as being home to Snooty, a 68-year-old (as of July 21) manatee, who is the oldest living manatee in captivity and quite possibly the oldest one on the planet. In 1966, he was knighted as Manatee County's official mascot. Yes, that's 50 years ago.

Set aside for a moment the fact construction will be taking place under the scrutiny of board members, that the budget will be under the microscope as fundraising progresses and that school children will be on site as the renovation process ramps up.

What will it be like for a guy using a circular saw that's throwing dust toward Snooty's tank?

"Snooty is a national treasure," said Willis Smith Vice President Kim French. "We have to guard him with our lives."

Now I am guessing here, but I would imagine a whole lot of builders wouldn't want to deal with a project that includes pampering a manatee who has his own Wikipedia listing.

To say Willis Smith's staff embraces the project would be an understatement. On Monday, French and Project Manage David Otterness were all smiles as they tried to make a complicated process as simple as possible for a guy whose only experience in construction is with sentences.

The "construction management at risk" part of the contract means Willis Smith is kind of a consultant with an expert opinion as the architects and design crew hired by the South Florida Museum perform their best Michelangelo during the pre-construction process.

Willis Smith will let South Florida Museum know if the project is going to be a runaway monetary freight train. Of course, it isn't likely to get to that point since all the design and construction teams work together in a mostly friendly environment.

Once all the planning is accomplished, the Willis Smith role changes as it goes back to being primarily a builder, with no guarantees the South Florida Museum will be select it upon acceptance of the bids. Considering Willis Smith's previous projects in the area, it seems likely it will be involved in the construction process in a big way.

"Our museum work is extensive," said Otterness, who has been with the company for 14 years. "We have done extensive work with the Ringling."

Willis Smith built the Historic Asolo Theater in 2007 and has done renovation and new construction work at Mote Marine since 1991. Then there was the renovation of the Sarasota Opera House finished in 2008. Don't forget the Tibbals Learning Center. The list goes on.

Those who live in Lakewood Ranch can see a great example of Willis Smith's work by cruising past the LECOM School of Dental Medicine.

At South Florida Museum, the eventual builders will be constructing the Mosaic Backyard Universe, The Commons, aquarium upgrades, exhibition space renovations, pathways and the relocation of the administration, education and facilities departments.

Otterness said the museum is very interested in having a larger area where it can hold public functions, something is now lacks. French noted an important part of the plan is to expand the museum's educational programming space.

Besides all the nuts and bolts aspects, construction has to be accomplished in a manner that will pack a punch.

"When you do a once in 50 years project, you take special care," Otterness said. "But this is something you don't build on a regular basis, so it's fun. This project is a landmark, and the building, when done will have thousands of people walk through our finished work. You take a special emphasis on craftsmanship."

It's all done a little differently than most buildings.

"When we talk about air conditioning, plumbing and lighting, there are certain standards that have to be achieved in a controlled environment. You need to make sure they are ready for small emergencies. Are the artifacts protected? People go to school for four years just to learn how to handle some of this artwork."

The design development process is expected to last until the summer of 2017 and construction could start shortly afterward. Otterness said a key component of Willis Smith projects is that the majority of workers come from the community. "I like a face-to-face relationship," he said. "I can take a drive in my car to see the vendor."

It will be an interesting process and one most likely being watched by another group currently putting together a design team for its own building which could become a Lakewood Ranch landmark.

French said Willis Smith, indeed, hopes to be considered for The Players Centre for Performing Arts that is headed to the new Waterside at Lakewood Ranch development.

And they wouldn't even have to deal with Snooty.