Specialty contractor receives Eagle Award for the eighth year in a row

APOPKA, Fla. (Nov. 26, 2024) — JK2 Scenic always aims to bring the “wow” factor to its creative construction projects. The leading specialty contractor was recently honored for just that with another prestigious award for its trophy case.

JK2 Scenic took home an Eagle Award for its work on Universal Studios’ Illumination’s Minion Café. The Eagle Awards are presented by the Associated Builders and Contractors of Central Florida as a recognition of Excellence in Construction for some of the area’s biggest projects.

This is the eighth year in a row that JK2 Scenic has won the award. This year, however, was extra special, as JK2 Scenic President Julie Holmes was able to present the award to her team as the Chair of ABC Central Florida.

“I’ve seen firsthand how hard the team works to elevate their work and problem-solving on creative projects like this,” she said. “It was an honor to recognize the team at JK2 Scenic and celebrate the completion of another great themed project.”

The Minion Café project was a complete renovation of the Monsters Café. For its part, JK2 Scenic provided the wood and millwork package, matching the fun and creativity of the Minion’s workshop. The team incorporated acrylics, plastics, wood and fabrics, all in the iconic blue and yellow of the minions, to bring the space to life for visitors. The space incorporates special details, all the way down to decorative trim on the tables, banquets and desks.

The project is illustrative of JK2 Scenic’s expertise. The company specializes in tackling the most challenging projects and bringing spaces to life through creative solutions to uncommon ideas. JK2 Scenic has a depth of experience in the hospitality, retail, and theme park industries.

The Eagle Awards are presented yearly in a variety of categories. JK2 Scenic has now won 18 Eagle Awards over the last eight years.

For more information about JK2 Scenic, visit jk2scenic.com. For more information about ABC Central Florida, visit https://abccentralflorida.com/.

Specialty contractor honored for industry excellence for sixth year in a row  

APOPKA, Fla. (Oct. 31, 2022) — JK2 Scenic has built a reputation for delivering excellence, even on some of Central Florida’s biggest, most challenging and most notable construction projects. The company did it again in a big way in 2022. 

JK2 Scenic was recently honored with the Eagle Award for Excellence in Construction for its work on the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser intergalactic-themed hotel located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  

The award is given by the Associated Builders and Contractors of Central Florida for top projects in the industry. This marks the sixth year in a row JK2 Scenic has been honored.  

“We pride ourselves on delivering excellence and building our clients’ dreams,” JK2 Scenic President Julie Holmes said. “That’s exactly what we were able to do on this project. We are honored to be recognized in our industry, and I’m proud of our team members and partners for all of their hard work in making this possible.”  

The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is a revolutionary experience for guests. The spaceship-themed hotel provides guests the opportunity to go on a simulated two-night space cruise that includes interacting with Star Wars characters and participating in missions throughout the length of stay.  

For their part, JK2 Scenic fabricated and installed the decorative interior millwork package throughout the common areas and within the guest rooms and suites of the themed hotel. This included working with kydex, a specialty plastic material, to wrap intricate millwork pieces and create unique design features. Specialty work in the common areas included the valet desk, concierge desk, custom sofas and benches within the atrium, the Sublight Lounge main build-out, the Crown of Corellia Dining Room build-out, and the boutique retail station POS, back bar, and display casework. Work within the guest room cabins included the vanity tops, custom wardrobe cabinets and trim, shower and entry door thresholds, and custom sofa furniture pieces within the suites. 

The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser project was also among the projects considered for “Project of the Year” at the awards. 

The Eagle Awards are presented yearly by ABC Central Florida in recognition of exceptional construction projects. JK2 Scenic has a strong history at the awards, with 15 awards in the last six years. 

The awards were held Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Hilton Orlando.  

For more information about ABC Central Florida, visit www.abccentralflorida.com. For more information about JK2 Scenic, visit jk2scenic.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 Scenic, JK2 Construction honored by ABC Central Florida

APOPKA, Fla. (November 1, 2021) —The JK2 family of companies has a reputation for excellence in the construction industry—and that reputation is growing. Both JK2 Scenic and JK2 Construction were honored with Eagle Awards for Excellence in Construction by the Associated Builders and Contractors of Central Florida for the fourth year in a row.

Both companies were honored for their work on the Loews Royal Pacific Resort Lobby, which they worked on together. Additionally, JK2 Scenic was honored for its work on the Bourne Stuntacular store.

“When I started JK2, I wanted this company to be built on relationships,” said JK2 Founder Paul Holmes. “While we’ve grown and expanded over these 30 years, I’m very proud that the reputation for excellence and integrity remains a core of every project we work on, and that is reflected in this recognition from our industry.”

Both JK2 Construction and JK2 Scenic were honored for work on the Loews Royal Pacific Resort Lobby, which included a complete renovation of the Orchid Lounge and the creation of a new grab-and-go food area, Tuk Tuk Market. JK2 Construction completely demolished and reconstructed the spaces, including interior finishes, HVAC and electrical distribution, framing, drywall and more. JK2 Scenic added finishing touches, including fabricating stone-cladded reception desks and the impressive main bar and center bar island.

JK2 Scenic also took home an Eagle Award for its work on the Bourne Stuntacular store, which replaced the former Five & Dime at Universal Studios Florida. JK2 Scenic completed the retail wallbays, which include LED lighting, as well as shelving, nesting tables, floor fixtures and the POS station.

The Eagle Awards are presented yearly by ABC Central Florida in recognition of truly excellent projects.

This is the fourth year in which both companies have received honors and the sixth year in which JK2 has been recognized. The companies have received 22 awards during that time.

The ABC EIC award ceremony took place Saturday, October 30, at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate.

For a high-res photo, click here.

For more information about ABC Central Florida, visit www.abccentralflorida.com. For more information about the JK2 companies, 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 and amenity projects. Under the current leadership team, the company has experienced phenomenal growth, receiving multiple ABC Eagle Awards, being named to the Gator 100 list multiple years, making Orlando Business Journal’s Fast 50 list and being recognized as one of Orlando Business Journal’s Golden 100 as a top privately held company in Central Florida. 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.

Both divisions take home Eagle Awards from ABC Central Florida

APOPKA, Fla. (October 20, 2020) — The JK2 family of companies aims to deliver excellence on every project they complete. Now, they have been honored for five outstanding projects by the Associated Builders and Contractors of Central Florida.

JK2 Construction was honored with two Eagle Awards for its work on the Bigfire restaurant and the TODAY Café, and JK2 Scenic received accolades for its work on the Brownwood Hotel & Spa in The Villages.

The companies each also won an Eagle Merit award. JK2 Construction was honored for its work on the Orlando City Soccer Training Facility, and JK2 Scenic was recognized for its work on Universal’s Surfside Inn & Suites.

The awards are given by ABC Central Florida, a top trade organization, in recognition for truly excellent projects.

“We have built our reputation on serving as a respected and valued partner on all of the projects we work on,” said Paul Holmes, founder of JK2. “I’m incredibly proud of both JK2 Construction and JK2 Scenic for continuing that tradition of excellence and being recognized among an outstanding field of our peers.”

JK2 Construction earned recognition for two Universal Orlando projects. The first is a restaurant located at Universal CityWalk, where JK2 Construction was responsible for the demolition of the former Emeril’s restaurant and complete build out of the new Bigfire American Fare; including a state-of-the-art kitchen, seating areas, balcony and exhibition grill. The company also received an award for work on the TODAY Café at Universal Studios Florida, repurposing an existing space and turning it into an eatery that mirrors the set of NBC’s The Today Show.

JK2 Scenic was recognized for its recent work on the Brownwood Hotel & Spa in The Villages. JK2 Scenic added “wow” features throughout the hotel, including wood paneling, trim and ceiling details, custom millwork and more in the lobby, bar, common area hallways, meeting spaces and beyond.

The company has a strong history in the Eagle Award competition, receiving 16 additional awards over the past four years.

ABC’s EIC award ceremony took place Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate.

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

Both divisions honored by Associated Builders and Contractors

APOPKA, Fla. (October 30, 2019) – JK2 has once again been recognized for its outstanding work in the construction industry in Central Florida—this time with an incredible eight Eagle Awards from a top trade organization.

JK2 Scenic received five awards for Excellence in Construction with two merit awards. Three of the four projects considered for the “Project of the Year” award belonged to JK2 Scenic. JK2 Construction received three awards for Excellence in Construction.

The awards, known as Eagle Awards, are given by the Central Florida Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors.  They are presented annually to members of ABC Central Florida, recognizing top workmanship that raises the level of construction standards.

The company’s two divisions worked together on two of the projects—Universal CityWalk’s Voodoo Doughnut and the Orlando Science Center’s collaborative workspace, The Hive: A Makerspace.

On the Voodoo Doughnut project, JK2 Construction handled the demolition and interior build-out, including a fully operational kitchen. JK2 Scenic then added finishing touches, from the decorative props to the famous rotating doughnut cabinet.

On the Orlando Science Center project, the two again worked together to transform a space. JK2 Construction managed the entire design and renovation of the project, completing the demolition and interior build-out. JK2 Scenic manufactured custom millwork, including storage cabinets, work spaces countertops, bins and wall art.

JK2 Scenic also won Eagle Awards for its work on SeaWorld Orlando’s Sesame Street Neighborhood, Novel Lucerne apartments, and a Lake Nona office project. The company received merit awards for work on Margaritaville Resort Orlando and for the retail space at Universal’s Aventura Hotel.

JK2 Construction received another Eagle Award for its work on the Jack Nicklaus Clubhouse in Reunion. For this project, JK2 Construction built an underground cart storage, fully-equipped fitness center, full-service restaurant and bar, golf pro shop and a member sales center. It was completed after just 11 months, three months ahead of the already tight deadline.

The awards ceremony took place on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando.

This year’s awards add to an exemplary track record for JK2, which received four awards in 2018, three in 2017 and another in 2016.

For more information about both divisions of JK2, please visit www.jk2.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.

Recently, JK2 president, Julie Holmes, was featured in the October issue of Construction Executive. In the VIEWPOINTS segment, Holmes shared an early career mistake she has learned from. To view the article see below, or click here.

Leading specialty construction company named woman-owned business

JK2 Scenic earns Women’s Business Enterprise National Council certification

APOPKA, Fla. (March 5, 2019) — One top Central Florida specialty construction firm is paving the way for more women leaders in the industry.

JK2 Scenic, part of the JK2 family of companies, was recently certified as a woman-owned and operated business by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

The company is led by President Julie Holmes.

“This has been a long-term goal since moving home and joining the family business,” Holmes said. “Women-owned businesses are growing rapidly nationwide, and especially in Florida—but there is still a lack of women in construction. I’m proud to show that there is room for women to be successful leaders in the industry.”

Under Holmes’ leadership, the company has seen tremendous growth. JK2 Scenic started as a division of JK2 Construction. It spun off into its own, separate company, and Holmes, who returned to be part of the family business in 2013, was named president earlier this year.

The University of Florida graduate, equipped with a background in civil engineering and a solid understanding of corporate management, has seen revenues grow by more than 1,000 percent in her time with JK2 Scenic. The company’s growth and success in the construction industry has already led to a handful of accolades, including three Eagle Awards from the Associated Builders and Contractors this past year.

Holmes plans to continue this trend of prosperity by expanding JK2 Scenic’s client base outside of Central Florida, diversifying services and growing through responsible and strategic initiatives.

The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council is the largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S. and serves as an advocate for women business owners. To earn the certification, businesses must be at least 51 percent owned, controlled, operated and managed by a woman or women. The organization works with regional partners around the U.S.

For more information about the WBENC, visit www.wbenc.org.

For more information about JK2 Scenic, visit jk2scenic.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 Scenic’s President Julie Holmes was featured in Building Central Florida as an influential woman in the construction industry. Our team is proud to have such an inspiring, fearless leader!

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 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.

ABC Central Florida Chapter’s Building Central Florida magazine shared the news about JK2 Scenic and President Julie Holmes’ new title. Read the article in the July/August issue on page 11 here.

JK2 Scenic awarded three Eagle Awards  by Associated Builders and Contractors

Honor recognizes best work in Central Florida’s construction industry

APOPKA, Fla. (Oct. 9, 2017) — JK2 Scenic has been recognized for Excellence in Construction by the Central Florida Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors for its work on three major projects — Universal Orlando’s Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, three venues at Disney Springs, and Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen at Universal CityWalk.

Each year, ABC Central Florida recognizes outstanding projects by its members with the Eagle Award.

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized among our peers for our work on three amazing projects in Central Florida,” said Julie Holmes, vice president of JK2’s Scenic Division. “As our company continues to grow and achieve phenomenal things, we are excited to see what the future holds.”

JK2 Scenic helped bring striking theming to life with its work on Universal CityWalk’s Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, completing a custom build-out of interior fixtures and millwork. The company also completed custom millwork features and finishes at Universal Orlando’s recently opened ride, Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, and at Disney Springs, working on three different venues within the expansion.

The Eagle Award wins for JK2 come among a spate of other honors for the company. JK2 was recently named to the Orlando Business Journal’s Fast 50 list for its growth. It was also named to the elite Gator100, which recognizes growth in businesses led by graduates of the University of Florida, for the second year, and it was named to the 2016 GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch list.

For more information, visit jk2.com.

The ABC Central Florida’s magazine Building Central Florida recognizes JK2 Construction & Scenic for its University of Florida Gator 100 honor. Read the article in the May/June issue on page 12 here.

Universal’s Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen was featured in the ABC Central Florida Chapter’s Building Central Florida magazine. Read the article in the March/April issue on page 12 here.

The ABC Central Florida Chapter recognizes JK2 Construction & Scenic’s three decades of business in Building Central Florida magazine.