Hurricane Irma ripped through Florida in September, causing damage and destruction in many parts of the state, but OHL was spared from any real damage on any of its projects. Though the landscape is different, OHL’s projects continued on schedule after the storm.
Arellano Construction Co., a local healthcare construction leader, was founded in 1974, and was purchased by OHL – a leading, global healthcare firm – in 2008.
Now, nine years after the purchase, the landscape of the company is different as well. With the recent departure of two executives, Bernie Perez, RA, was chosen to lead the firm and was promoted to President of OHL-Arellano Construction Company and OHL Building, Inc. In the tradition of the company’s culture to promote from within, several promotions were made as well, allowing acknowledgement of the hard work and dedication of these individuals.Perez has been with the firm for more than 17 years and was Vice President of Construction. He has a degree and a license in architecture and is a licensed General Contractor. He worked in health care design for 16 years for a local company prior to coming to OHL. His previous experience gives him a different perspective. Perez has spearheaded many of the company’s signature projects recently completed, including state-of-the-art The Lennar Foundation Medical Center at the University of Miami Coral Gables campus; Leon Medical Center Hialeah Facility; the Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute for Baptist Health South Florida; and the Miami Dade College Inter-American Campus Major Renovation Project, among others.
"This is what I have always loved," Perez said. "It’s a different role, but my core team remains the same. We enjoy construction and this is our passion. The construction industry and the projects we are building are ‘out of the box.’ We are seeing more and more healthcare projects that are hybrids that revolve around the patient’s positive experience." Excited about his new role and with continuing the company’s success, Perez has made an effort to meet with clients to discuss new opportunities that will prove beneficial to all. Perez is also actively assisting in the continued growth of the Orlando office, and seeking new projects in the Central and North regions of Florida. In speaking with Perez, it was clear that OHL is busy with current projects, backlog, and new project pursuits.
With this success, OHL begins its next group of stellar projects, including: Jackson Health System’s North Miami Medical Center Expansion; Baptist Health of South Florida’s stand-alone medical facility in Miami Beach; a continuation of the University of Miami Medical Campus Renovation Program; Miami Dade College Center for Learning Innovation and Simulation; Ardie R. Copas State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port St. Lucie; Sunset Drive LEED Platinum Mixed-Use Building in Coral Gables; Abacoa Institute for Health Living; and multiple senior living facilities.
Businesses looking toward innovative facilities consistently choose to partner with OHL to meet their unique technological demands that require speed to market. In addition, the global strength and capabilities of OHL, matched with the South Florida team’s 40+ years of local knowledge, expertise and relationships, have helped them to achieve considerable growth throughout Florida.
The year closes on a positive note by welcoming Perez in his new role. He is focused on moving the company forward. "Nothing has been put on hold. Everything that has been contracted and everything that was ongoing continues to be ongoing." Perez is looking forward to the continued successful future for OHL-Arellano and OHL Building in the coming years.
