In the wake of what was one of the largest and most devastating hurricanes to make landfall in Florida, Hakeem Investments was tapped to step up to the plate and help give FEMA a home base in Tampa.
Before the storm, President Trump and Governor Scott requested Federal Assistance, with an approved pre-landfall agreement, so as to provide access to areas at greatest risk for devastation. The goal was to find a base for the Operation Blue Roof Program, a FEMA organization specializing in providing quick relief to those whose homes sustain roof damage during natural disasters by helping to tarp their roofs.
Hakeem Investments CEO, Asif Hakeem, was contacted by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, both before and after Hurricane Irma, to see if the spaces provided by Hakeem Investments would make for a good fit for the program. The *head of real estate for the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Robert Clemente* came out to Tampa from their headquarters in Jacksonville to survey the properties and took a liking to Suite 124. FEMA was moved in shortly afterwards.
Hakeem Investments is proud to already house the Military Recruiters offices for the United States Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Air Force Reserve as well as the Navy Medical Office. All of which are located in Tampa at North Park. Due to this partnership and Asif’s status as landlord for these offices, Governor Scott asked if he could assist them with space and overnight service. Asif was happy to provide.
“It was a pleasure and an honor to be called in to help during a time of need like that,” Asif noted of the humbling experience. “I even offered them the space for free, but they insisted on paying so I really took it in good faith and worked hard to get them everything they needed.”
After accepting and providing the space needed for FEMA, the team at Hakeem Investments was lauded for their diligent work in the wake of the natural disaster and was asked to supply their remaining space so as to allow for more aid to come into Tampa. Hakeem Investments was able to obtain the space needed in Suite 226 and proceeded to move them in.
Once FEMA has concluded their work, the spaces will once again become available for rent. Suite 124, which is a 4,203 square foot space, as well as Suite 226, which is a space measuring out at approximately 12,000 square feet, will be cleared out. The available spaces will give way to as many as 50 executive offices and 3 conference rooms as well as multiple kitchens and break rooms. They will be available in January 2018 once FEMA has completed their work and clears the space.
