Winter Park, FL (July 15, 2011) — Architects Design Group (ADG), headquartered in Winter Park, announced the firm has completed the $3.6 million, 14,500 square foot Okeechobee County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and 911 Communications Center.

The structure is designed to withstand significant natural forces with redundant critical systems, in order to ensure facility survivability. Survivable building strategies included reinforced concrete walls and roof envelope systems designed to sustained wind forces up to 175 mph. The building floor is elevated to protect the facility for a 500 year flood, and Home Land Security strategies were implemented to protect the facility with vehicular barriers, CCTV surveillance cameras, intercom stations and technology advance door access systems.

ADG designed this joint-use facility to accommodate the Communications Department for the Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Emergency Management. The EOC portion of the facility contains an Incident Command Center with associated “break out” rooms, food service facilities, dormitories, and offices/conference areas for elected officials. ADG also assisted the County in acquiring more than $1.75 million in grant funding for the project.

The EOC/911 Center celebrated its grand opening on June 3, 2011. Several local dignitaries attended this special event, including Ms. Bobi O’Neal, wife of the original EOC Director who made recommendations to the County to build the facility. Ms. O’Neal received a posthumous award for Mr. Gene O’Neal’s life of service and dedication to the Okeechobee County community, and the Incident Command Center of this facility was named after O’Neal. Other attendees included County Commissioners Ray Domer, Bryant H. Culpepper, Joey Hoover, and Margaret Garrard Helton, and the General Contractor team Brooks & Freund.

Established in 1971, Architects Design Group is a full-service architectural and planning firm based in Winter Park, Florida with a branch office in Fort Myers, Florida that specializes in the innovative design of public sector architecture, including emergency operations centers, communications centers, and public safety facilities throughout the United States. The firm has received many awards including the AIA Florida Firm of the Year Award in 2002 and the AIA Orlando Firm of the Year Award in 2009. In addition, ADG is either currently working on or has recently completed the Lake County EOC and Communications Center; Monroe County EOC; Charleston County, SC EOC and Communications Center; Nacogdoches, TX EOC; Port Fourchon, LA OEC; Williamsburg County, SC EOC;  Springfield/Greene County, MO EOC and Communications Center; Sunrise Public Safety Complex; and the St. Petersburg Police Department. To learn more about Architects Design Group, visit www.adgusa.org.