Black History Month is a time to recognize, understand and celebrate the culture, contributions and achievements of black Americans throughout our history. In recognition of black achievements in construction, @kokolakisbuilds is shedding light on one of history’s most influential architects.
Robert Robinson Taylor (1868 – 1942) was the first African American student enrolled at MIT and the first accredited African American architect; prior to his education, he was a foreman and carpenter for his father, who had a successful career as a builder and contractor. Taylor graduated from MIT in 1892 and was hired by Booker T. Washington (a prominent black educator) to design and construct numerous buildings for the Tuskegee Institute – a historically black college and university (HBCU) that focused on industrial curriculum.
Additionally, he worked as an instructor for the Institute and introduced the use of plans and specifications in the curriculum and emphasized that construction should be met with both hand and mind. During his 30+ year career as an architect he designed dozens of buildings for high-profile universities across the southern United States, including numerous HBCUs.
Earlier this week, Joe Kokolakis and our team at Fort Jackson toured the temporary dining facility (TDFAC). This TDFAC can feed up to 1500 recruits a meal! #fortjackson
Yesterday afternoon, we celebrated the groundbreaking of the new air traffic control tower at @flyavl. We are grateful to be a part of this addition to the community!
Congratulations to our HR manager, Allison who graduated from @saintleouniv with a degree in HR Management. Allison was able to utilize Kokolakis Contracting's tuition reimbursement program to help offset the cost of tuition expenses. #teamkoko
Bring your dog to work day was a success! #teamkoko
1.Franklin
2. Phoebe
3. Scooby
4. Gracie
5. Sherman
6. Ringo
Today’s Pinellas Trail Cleanup was a success with 400lbs of trash collected! This included cement poles, steel poles and a cart. //@keeppinellasbeautiful
What have you learned while working at Kokolakis Contracting?
I’ve learned various construction processes, how to manage schedules and budgets, develop contracts and bring new and developed skills together to efficiently manage projects.
Progress Report🚨: Restoration and Modernization of Cullum Hall for the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY // @westpoint_usma
Yesterday, at Eisenhower Medical Center, members of the #teamkokoFtGordon donated blood with the @usmilitaryblood (Armed Services Blood Program). This is the Donor program associated with the DoD that provides blood donations to military hospitals in the US and around the world.
Last week, members of the #teamkokoFL spent time at Metropolitan Ministries where they helped clients with parking, shopping for food items and toys. @metro_min offers comprehensive services for at-risk and homeless families in underserved communities in the Tampa Bay area.
Thank you @cityoftampa for hosting another great Bridges to Business event! We are excited for our upcoming opportunities with the City of Tampa.
An eventful day at Fort Jackson! These two tanks were brought from the dining facility on post to the body shop to be reconditioned and painted. Next, they will be transported to the Fort Jackson Army Museum to be displayed.
#fortjackson
Kokolakis is excited to share the design progress for our Mary Cali Dalton Recreation Center project. Last month, our design partner, @ikon5architects hosted Kokolakis, @nycparks, and @nycddc for a review of the exterior façade model. Three physical models with different precast panel options were presented. The physical models add to the digital BIM (Building Information Modeling) models presented and provide an opportunity for non-construction people to visualize what their building will look like.
This project is a pilot design-build project for the @nycgov, and Kokolakis is excited to be a partner in this!
Our team at Ft. Gordon, in conjunction with our subcontractors, donated 502 lbs of food and $798 to the local Golden Harvest Food Bank.
In addition to community distribution of food items, every dollar donated provides three prepared meals for those in need through the Master’s Table program. With our donation, they will be able to provide 2,394 meals. The Master’s Table serves over 300 meals each day in the Augusta area.
Thank you to everyone on-site and to our subcontractors:
Nash Plumbing & Mechanical
Owen Electric
Ray’s Metalworks
Beam’s Contracting
Dixieland Walls
Today, our Tarpon Springs office donated 253 items totaling 293lbs of food to @metro_min. Metropolitan Ministries mission is to care for the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless in Tampa Bay.
Kokolakis Contracting has a long tradition of supporting numerous charities and community projects. The team believes that through volunteerism and leadership it can help shape communities and improve the world around us.
Rod Voigt, one of our Executive VPs participated in the #GreatAmericanTeachIn at @walkermagnetib. The students learned what @kokolakisbuilds does and how their academic interests could lead them into a career in the construction industry. #teamkoko
Today’s Pinellas Trail Cleanup was a success with 138.1lbs of trash collected! //@keeppinellasbeautiful
Kokolakis Contracting wants to extend our thanks and gratitude to all Veterans for their service and sacrifices. We are additionally grateful for the members of our Kokolakis Contracting family who have served our nation.