New Tenants Announced for Innovation Square

As the number of companies committing to Innovation Square continues to grow, two construction firms have chosen to relocate their offices to be closer to all the action.

Charles Perry Partners, Inc., a building construction firm, and Ponikvar & Associates, an architecture firm, have taken up residence within the plaza in a move that signals all of the activity happening between downtown and campus is just a snapshot of what’s to come.

“It certainly signals the next phase beginning at Innovation Square,” Nick Banks, managing director of Front Street Commercial Real Estate Group, said in a news release. “Architects and construction companies come into developments like this before construction begins on large projects. They hire engineers, site consultants, project managers and get them in place so that when they break ground on the larger buildings, they have the support teams ready.”

Ponikvar & Associates has designed its new location to allow for an expansion of up to fifty percent over their current staffing numbers. As the number of companies committing to Innovation Square continues to grow, the architectural firm expects their services will be in high demand. Ponikvar cited that they expect to expand quickly into the additional space.

Accompanying Ponikvar & Associates in the innovation district, CPPI relocated last week to 706 at Innovation Square. CPPI is a construction company with projects throughout the Southeast but has been Gainesville-based since 1968. Some of the company’s well-known local projects include the Patient Tower at North Florida Regional Hospital, the University of Florida Heavener Football Complex and the Veterinary Education and Clinical Research Center for UF’s Small Animal Hospital.

When asked why they chose to move their Diversified Projects Division to Innovation Square from another location in Gainesville, CPPI cited the location’s close proximity to the University of Florida campus and downtown Gainesville, the ample amenities being offered, and incentives provided by the Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency, as reasons for its decision to switch.

“The location will keep us in close contact with our clients. It allows us to respond faster and provide better service. The new work environment and surrounding amenities are also a positive for our employees,” said Matt Webster, VP of the Diversity Projects Division for CPPI.

Ponikvar & Associates is currently working with two potential lessors on space planning for up to four and a half floors of the Infusion Technology Center, with CPPI placing a bid for construction of the same project.

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