Kelly Brothers (KBI) contracted with Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) to construct Kimberly’s Reef, which is located approximately 10 miles offshore of Bonita Springs in the Gulf of Mexico. FGCU’s official research reef complex is constructed of 18 concrete box culverts measuring 11’ wide x 8’ tall x 6’ deep, weighing 22,500 lbs. each, deployed to depths of 30 feet. The box culverts, positioned by KBI’s dive crew precisely at the coordinates stipulated in FGCU’s design, are grouped in six sets of three, spaced about 150’ apart, creating an 11-acre underwater living laboratory for scientific experimentation and research. The artificial reef will not only provide a habitat for fish, coral, sponges, and other marine life, but will act as an underwater classroom for the students at FGCU as they study sustainability, water quality, and eco-systems for years to come.
FGCU Kimberly’s Reef
What our Clients are Saying
Congratulations to the team for a great project. The KBI crew was outstanding. It is rare that a crew completes a dredge project without the need for a punch list at the end. Thanks to Jake, Travis, and especially to Raul and his crew.
What our Clients are Saying
Kelly Brother’s commitment to customer satisfaction, quality work, and on budget performance was proven at every level and every project. The result of our working together has been building one of the area’s premier marinas and recently garnered National Marina of the Year. We certainly consider their work as an integral part of this achievement!
What our Clients are Saying
Kelly Brothers was commissioned to construct a meandering 1,200 lineal foot elevated boardwalk, through our environmentally sensitive wetland. Our goal was to construct an elevated boardwalk and shell paths through this coastal habitat while respecting the mangrove forest, salt marsh, as well as the oak hammock uplands. The chorography technique Kelly Brothers created was truly impressive. As a result, there was no disturbance or destruction to any part of the surrounding area.
What our Clients are Saying
KBI was very cooperative in developing solutions to an unforeseen subsurface condition that occurred during installation of the piling. They negotiated the extra
work compensation fairly, and they proceeded with the work with no delays to the project.
What our Clients are Saying
During construction Kelly Brothers proved their expertise in marine construction by value engineering various components of our multi-faceted project, which resulted in a considerable cost savings to the City of Naples. They have a knowledgeable staff with a strong work ethic and the specialized equipment to deliver a quality product at a competitive price.