BBI delivered a phased modernization of the University of Florida’s historic Florida Pool, addressing critical infrastructure needs while preserving one of the University’s most recognizable recreational facilities.
Originally constructed in 1930, Florida Pool has served generations of students, athletes, and campus organizations and remains an important part of the University’s recreational and aquatic programs. The project combines structural rehabilitation, infrastructure upgrades, and deferred maintenance improvements through a carefully phased construction strategy designed around operational and funding constraints.
THE CHALLENGE
Modernizing aging infrastructure within a historic campus asset.
Constructed in 1930, Florida Pool is one of the oldest and most recognizable recreational facilities on the University of Florida campus. For nearly a century, the facility has supported student recreation, aquatic programming, and campus life.
Over time, critical infrastructure components required significant repair and modernization, including structural elements, underground systems, plumbing infrastructure, maintenance spaces, and surrounding concrete surfaces.
The challenge was not simply repairing aging systems. The University needed a strategy that would preserve the long-term functionality of a historic facility while accommodating operational requirements, seasonal use demands, and phased funding availability.
Because portions of the facility needed to remain available during key operating periods, construction activities required careful sequencing and planning well before work began.
THE BBI APPROACH
Preconstruction planning that shaped the project strategy.
BBI worked closely with the University during preconstruction to develop a phased construction plan that balanced schedule, budget, operational requirements, and long-term facility goals.
Rather than viewing phasing as simply a scheduling exercise, the team evaluated how construction activities could be strategically divided to maintain facility functionality while still advancing critical infrastructure improvements.
Phase 1 focused on:
- Pump room concrete lid replacement
- Structural wall improvements
- Associated infrastructure work
- Preparation for future modernization activities
Phase 2 focused on:
- Tunnel improvements
- Slab rehabilitation
- Additional infrastructure upgrades
- Completion of deferred maintenance work
BBI also developed procurement and bidding strategies designed to help mitigate market volatility and secure the best possible value across both phases of construction.
Throughout the project, the team coordinated:
- Phased construction planning
- Structural rehabilitation
- Concrete reconstruction
- Plumbing modifications
- Facility access coordination
- Budget management
- Procurement strategy
- Schedule optimization
PROJECT OUTCOMES
Protecting a historic facility while extending its useful life.
The Florida Pool modernization project demonstrates how strategic preconstruction planning and phased execution can help owners preserve important facilities while addressing critical infrastructure needs.
By combining structural rehabilitation, infrastructure modernization, and long-term facility stewardship, the project is helping extend the life of one of the University of Florida’s most historic recreational assets while positioning it to continue serving future generations of students and campus users.
