Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Sea Turtle Hospital at University of Florida Under Construction

  • By Matt Jones
  • 06/17/24

The University of Florida’s Whitney Research Laboratory for Marine Bioscience recently began construction on a new Sea Turtle Hospital for its campus in St. Augustine, Fla., according to a news release. The new facility will include multiple research labs, education areas, and a sea turtle research center and hospital. The university is partnering with DPR Construction on the $41.2-million complex.

“The addition of the Marine Research Institute Building and the Sea Turtle Research Center and Hospital represents a significant milestone for the University of Florida and our efforts in marine science education and conservation,” said Whitney Laboratory Sea Turtle Hospital Program Manager Catherine Eastman. “This facility will not only advance our research capabilities but also inspire the next generation of scientists and conservationists.”

The complex will feature a marine research and conservation discovery entryway, a scientific education path, and an outdoor classroom to facilitate learning for students and visitors. Construction is aiming for a LEED Gold certification. A 38,000-square-foot, two-story post tension cast-in-place structure is an innovation of note, featuring advanced self-performing concrete techniques, the news release reports.

“This new facility was ideated in collaboration with Whitney scientists to ensure that their workflow is prioritized in the space we build,” said DPR Project Executive Michael Boykin. “It's an exciting project that not only takes sustainability into consideration during the building process, but will contribute so much to the preservation of our iconic wildlife in Florida.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Wisconsin District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    The School District of La Crosse in La Crosse, Wis., recently broke ground on a new elementary school that will consolidate the students and staff of two existing schools, according to local news. Funding for the school comes from a $53-million referendum approved in 2024.

  • Full Sail University Announces First Student Housing Facility

    Full Sail University in Winter Park, Fla., recently announced that development has begun on its first student housing community, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Nvision Development for construction and long-term management of the facility, which will stand five stories and have the capacity for more than 570 beds.

  • Pitzer College

    Designing for Change in Higher Ed Learning Environments

    Higher education will continue to evolve, and learning environments must evolve with it. By prioritizing adaptable infrastructure, thoughtful reuse, strong energy performance, and wellness-centered design, campuses can create spaces that support learning today while remaining flexible for the future.

  • UT System Approves First Funds for New Campus

    The University of Texas System Board of Regents recently approved funds to build the first facility of a new campus in far west Fort Worth, Texas, according to university news. UTA West will serve as a branch of the University of Texas at Arlington and is scheduled to open in fall 2028.