Construction Replacement Housing-Hardened to Resist Storms and Flooding

Hurricane Irma, a Category 4 storm, severely damaged three employee housing units, causing structural issues, water infiltration, mold, and damage to plumbing and electrical systems. The housing replacement project involved constructing a 4-plex with 1,174 SF units, each containing two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Built with reinforced concrete, impact-resistant windows, and a steel roof, the units are designed to withstand hurricanes and flooding, with provisions for handicapped accessibility. The project also met LEED certification standards for energy and environmental design.

Located within Big Cypress National Preserve’s BICY housing area, the new units are elevated above FEMA’s floodplain elevation and have access to existing infrastructure. Once completed, the old units in Everglades City were demolished. The construction was carefully planned to minimize environmental impact, with temporary barriers protecting trees and plants. The design followed NPS Housing catalog model #4, with modifications to optimize space. Two similar units in the Flamingo District remained mostly undamaged by the storm.