Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Florida Polytechnic University Debuts New Applied Research Center

  • By Matt Jones
  • 09/15/22

Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland, Fla., recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new, $47-million Applied Research Center. The facility measures in at more than 90,000 square feet, according to a university news release, and it houses amenities like research and teaching laboratories, student design space, faculty offices and conference rooms, and study spaces. It also doubles the campus’ available lab and research space and aims to position Florida Polytechnic as one of the state’s leading STEM institutions.

The university partnered with architecture firm HOK and construction and development firm Skanska for the project. The building as received a LEED Silver certification and contains sustainability features like an insulated glazing system and reflective curtain wall.

“It is always a pleasure when we can partner with a long-term client like Florida Polytechnic University,” said Michael C. Brown, executive vice president and general manager of Skanska’s Florida building operations. “Our team is honored to deliver another state-of-the-art academic building that will afford the university more space to advance its STEM curriculum. Skanska has established itself as a leader in higher education construction, and as Florida continues to experience an influx of people and companies, we recognize that the state’s need for more academic space will continue to grow—and we stand ready to help address that demand.”

The project’s construction began in fall 2019, and the finished building stands in the northwest side of campus. Its architecture and design deliberately complements the nearby Innovation, Science and Technology (IST) Building, also built by Skanska and completed in 2014.

“The future is bright for Florida Poly, and our ambitions are high,” said University President Randy Avent. Our goal is to be a premier STEM university known for producing highly desirable graduates and new technology solutions. I strongly believe that with the new Applied Research Center, we are charging full speed toward that goal.”

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Minnesota District Opens New PreK–12 School

    Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop Schools in Gibbon, Minn., recently announced that construction is complete on a new, $68.9-million school for students in grades PreK–12, according to a news release.

  • Johns Hopkins Starts Construction on New Residence Hall, Dining Facility

    The Homewood Campus of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., recently began construction on a new residence hall and dining facility, according to university news. The work involves demolishing the existing Alumni Memorial Residence Hall I, which was built in 1923, to make room for the new facility.

  • Texas District Breaks Ground on Second High School

    The Waller Independent School District in Waller, Texas, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for what will become its second high school, according to a news release.

  • Nashville Elementary School Receives LEED Gold Certification

    Goodlettsville Elementary School, part of Metro Nashville Public Schools in Nashville, Tenn., recently achieved LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), according to a news release. The 81,750-square-foot school opened in 2023 and was designed by Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC).