As part of Florida Governor Rick Scott’s recommended budget, the Florida National Guard armory in St. Augustine will receive a massive renovation, costing around $5 million.
The Robert F. Ensslin armory was built in 1992, and needs improvements to the electrical and heating and cooling systems, as well as the addition of a sprinkler system to meet current fire codes.
More than 300 full-time employees work in the 82,000 square foot facility.
“We are at a point when it’s time to do a full renovation of the building where we will bring these items up to the current Florida code,” Lt. Col. Mark Widener, construction and facilities management officer told WOKV.
Budget restraints have limited the Florida National Guard’s funding for utilities and other operational costs, making it extremely important that the facility is upgraded to function more efficiently.
Not only will these changes save the armory money in the long run, it also makes the facility more comfortable for the people working there. Lt. Col. Widener expects labor efficiency to improve as well.
