UF plans ceremony to rededicate Murphree Hall

October 31, 2005

WHAT: University of Florida rededicates Murphree Hall, a student housing complex which has been renovated over the past two years for $8.6 million. A short ceremony will be followed with tours and refreshments.

WHEN: 3:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4

WHO: Residents, housing staff, architects, engineers and contractors are invited.

WHERE: Murphree Hall Courtyard. Murphree Hall is on West University Avenue. Signs will be posted to direct visitors to the courtyard.

BACKGROUND: Murphree and Fletcher Halls were constructed in 1939 at a cost of $460,000, funded by federal government loans that were repaid with revenues from room rentals. The renovation was funded with a facilities capital projects increase on rent.

The original architect was Rudolph Weaver. Ponikvar & Associates of Gainesville designed the renovation. The engineering firm for the renovation was Moses & Associates, and the contractor was Charles Perry Construction Inc., both of Gainesville.

Renovations included the installation of new central air conditioning, plumbing, bathrooms and windows. Walls and ceilings were painted, and new furniture and window coverings were added.

Murphee Hall, with its 169 rooms, is dedicated to the memory of Albert A. Murphree (1870-1927), UF’s second president. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989 as part of a six-block area of the original campus. All renovations were done within the guidelines of the National Historic Register.

CONTACT: Sharon Blansett, assistant director of housing for marketing, public relations and research, (352) 392-2161, ext. 10132.