Destin Water Users unveils new Richard Griswold Building, 'dream' 14 years in the making

Destin Water Users Inc. celebrated the completion of its newest building, the Richard F. Griswold Building, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication luncheon on March 4.

The Richard F. Griswold Building, 14 Industrial Park Lane, began as a dream in 2010 when then DWU general manager, Richard Griswold, began making plans to convert the existing inventory buildings into offices to consolidate all the plant personnel under one roof. His hope was to improve coordination within the company and facilitate teamwork between employees. However, because of space and structural limitations of the existing buildings, the project was put on hold. 

After Hurricane Michael and its proximity to Destin, DWU picked up the project again in 2019 as it was clear the new facility was needed to not only bring the team together, but to withstand another hurricane and be prepared to start recovery efforts as soon as possible.

After extensive planning and thoughtful design, construction began on the new project in 2022. 

“We live and work in a little piece of paradise, and DWU is intent on doing our part to keep it that way,” said DWU President Tom Weidenhamer. 

The dedication brought together representatives from each company who played an integral part in creating the new building, as well as the DWU board of directors, employees and community members. 

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“I want to give a special thank you to Monica Wallis and Paul Reese for their efforts managing the project on behalf of DWU,” Weidenhamer said. 

Wednesday’s ceremony honored Walbridge, which served as the construction manager for the project, along with Dell Consulting and Michael Baker International, which designed the building and helped foster the project from concept to completion. United Community Bank was also honored during the ceremony for financing the project as well as Emerald Coast Office Products, which assisted in furnishing the new facility.  

“This building, this dream that we are dedicating in honor of former General Manager Richard F. Griswold, proves our commitment to be prepared to serve the members of DWU in fair or in foul weather,” Weidenhamer said. “We hope it serves our company, team and community well into the future.” 

About Destin Water Users 

Destin Water Users Inc. is private, nonprofit corporation, which is headquartered in Destin with a service area covering most of the City of Destin and portions of unincorporated Okaloosa County. DWU is tax exempt under IRS code 501(c)12. The company provides service to more than 12,000 people in the winter months and more than 40,000 in summer months. To learn more about DWU, visit dwuinc.com. 

This news release was provided by Proffitt PR.