Gates has broken ground on the much anticipated Interpretive Center at The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve.  Upon completion, the building will be the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified project in Lee County, Florida.  LEED is a national standard for green building design developed by The United States Green Building Council (which Gates is also and active member of).

The two-story, 12,000 square foot Interpretive Center will be situated within the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, which is located along Six Mile Cypress Parkway, 1.5 miles north of Daniels Parkway in Fort Myers.

The slough itself is a natural drainage way of conserved wetlands measuring nine miles long and consisting of 2,200 total acres.  The Interpretive Center will feature educational displays and explain the details of Green Building.  Other features include indoor meeting space, an office for the Parks & Recreation Department, an outdoor teaching pavilion and a book store.

The expected date of completion for the project falls within the first quarter of 2008.  Upon completion, the project is expected to attain LEED Silver Level Certification.  Parker Mudgett Smith Architects is providing design services.

Gates, with office in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties, is Florida’s premier, fully integrated construction, development and real estate services company.  For more information, please contact us at (239) 593-3777.