Construction firms win $42.5 million stadium project

FORT MYERS — The Lee County commission awarded a team of construction firms led by Manhattan Construction to renovate the Minnesota Twins spring training stadium.

The team consists of Manhattan Construction, Chris-Tel Construction and Casey Construction, the same trio that built JetBlue Park in Fort Myers for the Boston Red Sox baseball team last year. The project architect is Populous, and design work is now under way.

In November, the commission approved spending $42.5 million to renovate the Twins baseball training facility. The improvements include a new practice field, a boardwalk around the existing park's outfield and renovations of the concessions, clubhouse, luxury suites and press box. Parking and seating will also be improved.

Manhattan acquired Naples-based Kraft Construction in 2008 and is one of the largest commercial construction firms in the nation. Chris-Tel and Casey are both headquartered in Fort Myers.