The State’s rest area facilities are ideal locations to showcase innovative Architecture to the millions of traveling visitors and residents alike. The two locations along I-75 in Charlotte County, directly across from each other, are highly visible from the interstate, as well as from the surrounding context. The design will be a vibrant, timeless facility that fits within the modern, coastal Southwest Florida setting, and includes a promenade complete with lively, native landscaping upon entering each of the sites. These rest areas offer a colorful and fun place for relaxation and recreation dedicated to the public.

The highest level of safety and security is planned for patrons at these rest areas. The Architecture and site designs are driven by methodologies and concepts taken from the “Crime Prevention through Environmental Design” (CPTED) multi-disciplinary approach. All building entrances, public rest area amenities and parking areas are designed with clear sight lines from the project’s fulcrum, the Security Office. Situated in the open-air courtyard between each building’s two restroom wings, this office will have 360 degree views of the publicly accessible areas. Minimizing hiding places, abundant lighting levels at pedestrian areas, efficient parking layouts, locations of amenities and the careful selection of landscape & hardscape materials support this overall concept of safety.

Additionally, all materials, systems and equipment have been selected to reduce maintenance over the long term. Some of the innovative concepts include using a precast concrete building structural system with exposed natural finishes, pre-finished metals for roofing and picnic pavilions, stainless steel doors & hardware, graffiti & vandal resistant epoxy coating systems at the restroom interiors in lieu of tile, conveniently located hose bibbs throughout for easy washing, LED lighting, native xeriscape plantings, as well as concrete pavement at all heavy traffic areas.