$6 million Funplex breaks ground in West Pensacola
Hana Frenette, pnj.com
Pensacola, FL
A construction worker works at the future site of Xtreme Rush, a $6 million fun center set for Navy Blvd.
(Photo: John Blackie/jblackie@pnj.com)Buy Photo
The expansive, multiuse, $6 million fun center planned for Navy Boulevard broke ground last month.
Gregory and Rebecca Drake, owners of Paisano's Pizzeria, have spent the last six years designing a 61,000-square-foot complex titled Xtreme Rush, which will include a microbrewery, go-kart track, trampoline jump, and bowling alley.
The initial construction for Xtreme Rush is located directly to the west of Paisano's Pizzeria on West Navy Boulevard, and will eventually incorporate the Paisano's building into the design of the fun center.
"In a couple of weeks we'll be drilling for geothermal energy," Drake said. "It's going to be one of the biggest geothermal projects in Pensacola."
Drake estimates the fun center will have over 180 tons of air conditioning units.
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$6M fun center set for Navy Blvd.
The Drakes want to bring more entertainment-based activities for families to Pensacola, and they believe that Xtreme Rush will have something to offer everyone in the community at the same time.
The microbrewery, a military-themed bar, "The O Club" (short for Officers' Club), and bowling alley will give adults a place to relax, and the laser tag, go-kart track and arcade will give kids a place to interact and play.
The brewery will offer eight staple beers, with 16 seasonal beers that will rotate throughout the year, and will be one of the first portions of the center to be completed.
The complex also will feature a dedicated "quiet room" for parents, equipped with wifi, televisions and video cameras of the children's play areas.
The future site of Xtreme Rush, a $6 million fun center set for Navy Blvd.
(Photo: John Blackie/jblackie@pnj.com)
Longtime family friend and head server at Paisano's, Justine Olan said she's watched the Drakes' plan for this project for years and is excited to see it taking shape.
"They were talking about doing this before Paisano's opened five years ago -- they've been working toward this, and envisioning this for probably eight or nine years," Olan said. "There's been a lot of feedback and excitement from the community-- especially the military community, because there isn't as much for them to do on this side of town."
Elise Lott, owner of Antiques and More across the street from the building site for Xtreme Rush, noted the changes she's seen over the years on Navy Boulevard.
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"I used to play Goofy Golf, and go to the skating rink down the street with my sister," she said. "I think this could be a good thing because I think it promotes families doing more things together."
The completed project will seat over 460 individuals and employ between 190 to 220 people.The fun center is set to open in early October, and Drake said they will begin hiring three months prior to the opening.