Facilities Planning & Construction

The University of Florida belongs to a tradition of great universities. It is one of the nation’s largest public, land-grant research institutions and one of the most comprehensive universities in the United States, encompassing virtually all recognized academic and professional disciplines. In dramatic contrast to its opening in 1906 with two unfinished buildings and 102 students, the University of Florida entered the 21st century with a population of almost 70,000 students, faculty and support personnel occupying over 900 buildings and 2,000 acres of land.

Tracing its roots to a parent institution founded in 1853, the University of Florida celebrates its sesquicentennial in 2003. The Campus Historic District of 22 buildings listed in 1989 on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Memorandum of Agreement with the State Historic Preservation Office demonstrate the commitment of the University to preservation of the campus. Additional information on campus history and past planning efforts have also been archived at the George A. Smathers Libraries.

Nevertheless, in the complex framework of the University, there is no comprehensive document that details character defining features, preservation processes, and guidelines specific to this campus. The university’s Comprehensive Master Plan addresses future development, open space preservation, and campus design including the preservation of historical and archaeologically sensitive sites. This plan set an objective to “Promote the development of standards to preserve architecturally significant historic structures campus-wide to facilitate restoration and rehabilitation.”

In July 2003, the University of Florida received two grants for the purpose of developing these standards and expanding the current preservation program efforts. A $150,000 three-year grant has been awarded by the Getty Grant Program for the development of a Preservation Plan and Guidelines, which will supply the university with the information and tools to accomplish its long-range goals. In addition, the university received a $25,830 grant from the State of Florida, Historical Grants-In-Aid. This grant identified and proposed additional buildings that are eligible for National Register of Historic Places listing. It also produced an updated historic campus walking tour map and other materials in support of the overall Preservation Plan and Guidelines.

This planning effort is a truly comprehensive collaboration that will employ student assistants and integrate with classroom activities, but will also include the administrative units that are ultimately responsible for plan implementation. Susan Tate, AIA, professor of interior design, in the College of Design Construction and Planning will serve as the project supervisor and principal investigator. Linda Dixon, AICP, manager of the planning office in the university’s Facilities Planning and Construction Division will serve as a co-principal investigator. Harold Barrand, assistant director in the university’s Physical Plant Division will serve as a co-investigator. This website will be used to post progress updates and project work products throughout the planning process.