Wilhelmina Johnson Center and Sharmie Ffar Park construction beginning

The City of Gainesville’s Wild Spaces & Public Places Department and Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department are pleased to announce improvements to the Wilhelmina Johnson Center, located at 321 NW 10th Street. 

The building was constructed in 1927 as the City of Gainesville's second fire station, where it served the increasing demands of residents for more than three decades. In 1981, the facility was repurposed and named the Wilhelmina W. Johnson Resource Center. 

This Wild Spaces & Public Places project includes renovation of the 3,800-square-foot building, as well as improvements to the site. Sharmie Ffar Park, which is adjacent to the Wilhelmina Johnson Center, will be closed during construction to allow for grounds improvements. The Wilhelmina Johnson Center parking lot will also be closed to the public and used for construction staging throughout the renovation project. To kick off the project, construction fencing is being installed this week. The project is anticipated to be completed in spring 2027.

J.E. Decker Construction Group, LLC, a small, locally owned business, is the contractor for the Wilhelmina Johnson Center renovations project and was awarded a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) contract in the amount of $1,863,684.71.

To find other parks to enjoy during this temporary closure, please visit www.gainesvillefl.gov/parks.

To stay up to date with the latest project information, please visit the project website. 

For more information, contact Betsy Waite, project manager, at waiteed@gainesvillefl.gov or 352-393-8187.