Construction will begin in February on a new student health center and a new academic building at the University of Tampa.
Both buildings are intended to meet the requirements for the Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and both are expected to be completed in time for the next school year.
The new health center will be about 10,300 square feet and will replace the existing campus facility at North Boulevard Avenue and North A Street.
"We're committed to provide top-level support for the wellness of all out students, and this new facility will greatly help," says Dean of Students Bob Ruday in a statement released by the university. "The new facility will allow our staff to provide health services more efficiently and effectively and will enhance a student's overall experience at UT. We'll be able to see more patients, and they'll have more privacy."
The health center staff attends to about 1,000 students per month for health services and counseling. During this past fall semester, the health staff administered nearly 1,000 flu vaccinations.
The new academic building will be about 8,000 square feet and will be located near the Cass Building on the north side of campus. It will include laboratories for chemistry, organic chemistry and biology research, as well as faculty offices and a 35-seat classroom that will be convertible into a 20-station instructional lab.
"This new facility will enhance the University of Tampa's strong presence in biology and chemistry and certain pre-professional programs, and will serve as the foundation for future possible construction," says UT President Ronald L. Vaughn.
Florida architecture firm Harvard Jolly and Crossroads Construction of Lakeland will handle the project.
Writer: Carter Gaddis
Source: Eric Cardenas, University of Tampa
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