Crews will begin work on the Fricker Resource Center this spring after the Pensacola City Council awarded a construction contract to Green-Simmons on March 26.
The project carries nearly $10 million in grant funding secured in 2023, supplemented by Local Option Sales Tax funds. Construction begins in the second quarter. The center reopens in June 2027.
Families who use Fricker for after-school care are being surveyed now so staff can plan programming and transportation for the 2026-2027 school year. After-school and senior programs continue at two alternate sites during construction: Woodland Heights and the Cobb Resource Center. Current programs will run through the end of the school year in the gymnasium before the full pause begins.
The renovated facility is planned as a multipurpose neighborhood hub. Additions include a career lab, senior center, expanded healthcare access, ADA-compliant playground updates, increased parking, and weather resiliency improvements with expanded stormwater treatment. Restrooms, the kitchen, the library and several entryways are also in scope.
Mayor D.C. Reeves said the goal is to maintain existing services while improving resiliency and the user experience. The Fricker Resource Center serves the Fricker neighborhood west of downtown. More information is at frcrenovation.com.