JK2 completes renovation projects at Universal Orlando Resort

Companies work together on Bourne Stuntacular shop, Loews Royal Pacific Resort

APOPKA, Fla. (June 23, 2020) – As visitors explore the newly reopened Universal Orlando Resort, they might notice a few updates, courtesy of a family of local construction companies.

The JK2 companies recently worked together on the renovation of the Loews Royal Pacific Resort’s Main Lobby, including a compete renovation of the Orchid Lounge and creation of the Tuk Tuk Market, as well as the store for the recently opened Bourne Stuntacular show. JK2 Construction served as the general contractor for both projects, and JK2 Scenic added impressive finishing touches.

“We’re proud to be a longtime partner of Universal Orlando and to have contributed to so many iconic structures in Central Florida,” said Paul Holmes, founder of JK2. “It’s even more rewarding when our two divisions can work together to bring these spaces to life for visitors to enjoy.”

The renovation of the Loews Royal Pacific Resort Main Lobby and Orchid Lounge involved a complete demolition for JK2 Construction, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing and a slab scan. The contractor then reconstructed the spaces, including interior finishes, custom book matched hard surfaces, lighting and dimming packages, HVAC and electrical distribution, framing, drywall, painting, slab pour back and more.

JK2 Scenic added finishing touches to both spaces. In the lobby, JK2 Scenic fabricated stone cladded reception desks, as well as custom rift-cut white oak furniture. In the Orchid Lounge, JK2 Scenic was responsible for several woodwork pieces with specialty integrated stone cladding, including the impressive main bar and center bar island, metal feature cabinet, TV bar wall with two book matched stone patterns and more.

The companies also worked together to relocate four desk areas and create a grab-and-go food area, Tuk Tuk Market. The space draws inspiration from both food trucks and traditional island architecture, featuring wood wall cladding, banquette seating, custom menu boards, unique floor tiles and more. The market serves up coffee and quick bites, from breakfast to dessert.

The Bourne Stuntacular store project involved the renovation of the former Five & Dime shop. JK2 Construction completed select demolition of the interior, mechanical and electrical systems. The company also handled reconstruction, including interior finishes, a custom chandelier, LED light columns, lighting and dimming packages, HVAC and electrical distribution, storefront doors and exterior finishes.

JK2 Scenic completed the retail wallbays with LED accent lighting, shelving, nesting tables, floor fixtures and POS station.

JK2 has worked on a number of recent projects at Universal Orlando Resort, including the Fast & Furious—Supercharged retail store, Bigfire restaurant, Voodoo Doughnut, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.

In addition to completing work for theme parks, JK2 Construction and JK2 Scenic have worked with themed restaurants, national home builders and major hotels.

For more information about JK2, visit www.jk2.com.

JK2 Awarded 4 Eagle Awards for Excellence in Construction

JK2 Awarded 4 Eagle Awards for Excellence in Construction

Both teams honored by Associated Builders and Contractors

APOPKA, Fla. (October 22, 2018) —JK2 has been recognized once again for Excellence in Construction by the Central Florida Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors.

JK2 Scenic won three Eagle Awards for its work on the retail store at Universal Orlando’s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, for work on the retail store at Universal Orlando’s Fast & Furious—Supercharged, and for its work on Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park. The company brought each of these notable projects to life with custom millwork and theming to fit each unique space.

JK2 Construction also earned an Eagle Award this year for its work on Universal Orlando’s Harry Potter Christmas Show. The company worked around the clock and fabricated new towers, strategically located for show projector accuracy, for the nighttime light show, which drew major attention to the park and attracted Harry Potter fans from around the world.

“Both JK2 Scenic and JK2 Construction have built an impeccable reputation by delivering on each and every project,” said Paul Holmes, founder of JK2. “It’s always an incredible honor to be recognized for that work, and it’s even more meaningful among our peers.”

Each year, ABC Central Florida honors the best projects built by its members with the Eagle Award. The annual awards competition aims to raise the level of construction standards by recognizing top workmanship.

JK2 has an exemplary track record with the Eagle Awards. JK2 Scenic received three honors in 2017, and JK2 Construction earned an honor in 2016.

In addition to the Eagle Awards, JK2 Construction and JK2 Scenic have been recognized among the largest general contractors and largest specialty contractors by the Orlando Business Journal two years in a row. The companies have been named to the elite Gator100 list twice and were named to the 2017 Fast 50 list for their growth.

For more information about JK2 Construction, visit jk2construction.com.  For more information about JK2 Scenic, visit jk2scenic.com.

About JK2 Construction

JK2 Construction, a family-owned company founded in 1987, has become a leader in the construction industry. The company specializes in design-build, commercial, retail, entertainment, restaurant, industrial, amenity and time share projects.  JK2 Construction has completed projects throughout the nation, including work for major theme parks, themed restaurants and national home builders. The company is a trusted, respected and valued partner who builds with a creative project approach and has principal level involvement in every project. For more information, visit jk2construction.com.

About JK2 Scenic

JK2 Scenic focuses on building dreams and bringing unique construction visions to life in a creative way. The company specializes in themed architectural millwork, custom props and specialty items for retail, attraction, entertainment, hospitality and restaurant clients. Founded in 2008 as part of the JK2 family of companies, JK2 Scenic became its own company in 2017. Led by President Julie Holmes, the company has seen amazing growth and has been honored numerous times, receiving multiple Associated Builders and Contractors Eagle Awards and making the Orlando Business Journal’s Fast 50 list. JK2 Scenic provides creative solutions to uncommon ideas and has worked with world-class theme parks and national brands. For more information about JK2 Scenic, visit jk2scenic.com or call (407) 880-8400.

JK2 Construction Completes Work on Voodoo Doughnut

JK2 Construction, JK2 Scenic Complete Work on Voodoo Doughnut

Local construction leaders partner on popular Universal CityWalk shop

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 31, 2018) — JK2 Construction and JK2 Scenic, leaders in the Central Florida construction industry, came together to complete the delightfully weird and sinfully delicious Voodoo Doughnut shop at Universal’s CityWalk in Orlando.

For this 2,418-square-foot project, JK2 Construction completed everything from demolition of interior components, exterior walls and storefront to constructing a fully operational kitchen. JK2 Construction was charged with building a chef’s office, viewing kitchen, a display line and POS stations, both fixed and mobile. The construction company also added a new lighting and dimming package, A/C distribution, automatic opening entry doors and elevator access to the restaurant. In addition, JK2 Construction added flooring, storefront windows, architectural aluminum finish, built-in banquettes, custom seating and multiple specialty finishes.

After JK2 Construction completed the interior build-out, JK2 Scenic added the “wow factor” with the final touches that brought the signature style of Voodoo Doughnut to life. JK2 Scenic fabricated decorative props, the POS service station and display line, custom display shelves, and the famous rotating doughnut cabinet, which showcases the crazy-flavored doughnuts in the center of the sales floor.  All of the eclectic art and show pieces, bringing the creatively weird and edgy space to life, were coordinated, purchased and installed by the JK2 Scenic team.

“I’m proud that both JK2 Construction and JK2 Scenic have been able to work on the Voodoo Doughnut shop at Universal’s CityWalk in Orlando,” said Paul Holmes, JK2 Construction president and founder. “Together, we’ve created something iconic that is both a complement to the other outstanding venues at CityWalk and a showpiece visitors will enjoy for years to come.”

Both companies were able to overcome the logistical challenges of working inside a small retail footprint within a high-traffic tourist destination, completing the project in the allotted timeframe.  JK2 collaborated with Universal Creative and the interior designer to ensure the look and feel of the space was delivered with perfection.

For more information about JK2, visit www.jk2.com.

About JK2 Construction

JK2 Construction, a family-owned company founded in 1987, has become a leader in the construction industry. The company specializes in design-build, commercial, retail, entertainment, restaurant, industrial, amenity and time share projects.  JK2 Construction has completed projects throughout the nation, including work for major theme parks, themed restaurants and national home builders. The company is a trusted, respected and valued partner who builds with a creative project approach and has principal level involvement in every project. For more information, visit jk2construction.com.

About JK2 Scenic

Started in 2008 as part of the family-owned JK2, JK2 Scenic has grown and developed a niche in the construction industry. The company designs and builds themed architectural millwork and custom props and fabricates specialty items for the retail, attraction, entertainment, hospitality and restaurant industries. The company’s mission is to build dreams. JK2 Scenic serves as a trusted, respected and valued partner that builds with a creative approach and has principal-level involvement on every project. This mission has led to a roster of client partners, including major theme parks, themed restaurants and national brands. For more information, visit jk2scenic.com.

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

JK2 Construction & Scenic work together on new Universal Orlando resort lobby space

Orlando, Fla. (Sept. 7, 2016) — As guests walk up to the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando, they are transported to an island paradise complete with waterfalls and lush landscaping.

JK2 Construction & Scenic helped contribute to that feel in the hotel’s lobby.

Both divisions of the Apopka-based company worked together to build out a 3,200-square-foot space in the lobby of Universal Orlando’s new Caribbean-themed resort on Adventure Way.

As part of the work, the Construction Division built out the shell, providing framing and drywall finishes, electrical and air conditioning, storefront glass, fire sprinklers and alarms and finish paint.

JK2 Scenic, the company’s other division, provided the finishing touches, adding wood siding, beams, display walls, themed floor fixtures, specialty doors and custom shutters that fit with the island vibe.

The space will serve to provide guests added comforts and convenience during their stay.

The first guests checked into the 1,000-room hotel in July.

For more information on JK2, visit jk2.com.

About JK2 Construction & Scenic

JK2 Construction & Scenic, a family-owned company founded in 1987, has evolved into a unique company combining two divisions of construction. The JK2 Construction Division specializes in design-build, commercial, retail, entertainment, restaurant, industrial, amenity, resort hotels and time share projects. The JK2 Scenic Division designs and builds themed architectural millwork, custom props and fabricates specialty items for the retail, major attractions, entertainment, hospitality and restaurant industries. JK2 has completed projects throughout the nation including work for major theme parks, themed restaurants and national home builders. JK2 is a trusted, respected and valued partner who builds with a creative project approach and has principal level involvement in every project. For more information, visit http://www.jk2.com.

Hello Kitty retail experience

Orlando, Fla. — (April 11, 2016) — Fans of the Japanese cartoon feline with the famous bow can soon say hello to Hello Kitty in Orlando, thanks to a major renovation at Universal Studios headed by JK2 Construction.

The company, a leader in Florida’s construction and building industry, served as general contractor for the work on the more than 5,000-square-foot space, which now houses the Hello Kitty interactive retail experience, as well as a Betty Boop store and a Universal area.

The building features about 3,000 square feet of Hello Kitty space, decorated with bright, animated characters. At the center, there is just under 1,000 square feet of Universal retail space, and further along, there is about 1,000 square feet of Betty Boop space, decorated in the animated character’s signature red and black.

The space was originally the home of an attraction centered on memorabilia from the TV show “I Love Lucy.”

Rick Amundson, the vice president of the Construction Division, said JK2 headed up the more than $1.5 million renovation of the space.

“The only thing we left were the walls and roof,” Amundson said.

JK2 also made some changes outside, updating the building’s façade.

“We’ve been doing this type of work at Universal Studios for almost 30 years,” said JK2 President Paul Holmes. “This is just another completed job in a long line of exceptional projects, and we’re proud of that.”

The company also built the famed Universal Studios Orlando archway entrance.

About JK2 Construction & Scenic

JK2 Construction & Scenic, a family-owned company founded in 1987, has evolved into a unique company combining two divisions of construction. The JK2 Construction Division specializes in design-build, commercial, retail, entertainment, restaurant, industrial, amenity, resort hotels and time share projects. The JK2 Scenic Division designs and builds themed architectural millwork, custom props and fabricates specialty items for the retail, major attractions, entertainment, hospitality and restaurant industries. JK2 has completed projects throughout the nation including work for major theme parks, themed restaurants and national home builders. JK2 is a trusted, respected and valued partner who builds with a creative project approach and has principal level involvement in every project. For more information, visit http://www.jk2.com.