Professional Building Systems has started the demolition phase of the renovation of a 2,750 square-foot residential building on Wilton Court in Timber Ridge of Immokalee.

Timber Ridge is part of the greater Eden Park neighborhood, and the building is the former residence of Fred Edenfield.

Immokalee Non-Profit Housing (INPH) purchased the land for the Timber Ridge development from Mr. Edenfield and completed the development in 1995.

INPH still rents 34 single-family homes in Timber Ridge to farmworkers and other low-income families. The former Edenfield residence is being turned into a recreational facility that will house the many social and educational programs operated by INPH for its residents.

The renovation project includes the demolition of most of the existing facility and creating a new floor plan.

At nearly 5,000 square-feet, the building will have ample room for the planned computer lab, classrooms, music room, library and media room. Out-of-date windows and sliding glass doors will be replaced with impact rated glass, so the recreation center will be

hurricane resistant.

Outside the building, the landscaping was designed with children’s safety in mind. The Sheriff’s office consulted on the project and recommended features to improve visibility and protect the integrity of the building.

This project is among a series of renovations that began in the spring of 2006. The INPH Board of Directors decided to undertake this rehabilitation program to harden the properties to future hurricane damage as well as provide a safe, decent environment for their residents.

This renovation has been partially funded through the Collier County Department of Housing and Human Services, under the U.S. Government's Housing and Urban Development, Community Development Block Grant (CDGB) program.