UF expects to build four-story office building on Eastside Campus

February 6, 2008

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida plans to build a four-story, 65,000-square-foot building on its Eastside Campus within the next 18 months to accommodate more offices that will move from the main campus.

The $15 million project is expected to serve as a cornerstone for further development of the campus on Waldo Road, which already is the site of administrative and office functions for several UF departments. The campus was used by the Florida Department of Transportation until 2003.

“The demand for administrative support space continues to grow as the university expands in research and education and this support space can be accommodated more effectively off-campus, preserving the very valuable on-campus space for core-related activities,” said Ed Poppell, vice president for business affairs.

The new building also will expand the university presence in east Gainesville and help with economic revitalization efforts in that area.

“The University of Florida is continuing to fulfill its commitment to development on the east side,” said Susan Crowley, UF assistant vice president for community relations. “We are excited to be part of the cross-section of citizens, government and business interests engaged in this project and others to make a positive impact on east Gainesville.”

The project has been OK’d by the UF board of trustees. The Board of Governors included the project in the Legislative Budget Request package it forwarded in January to the Legislature for approval. After an architect is hired, a contractor will be competitively selected to complete the project. Construction is expected to begin in late 2008, and plans call for the building to be open for use in 2009.

Several buildings on the 12-acre campus have been demolished and others renovated since UF acquired the site. The Bridges program, a UF administrative unit, is now located in a newly renovated facility, while several departments, including the College of Engineering and the Office of Information Technology, also have offices there.