As of May 13, 2024, this project has been cancelled. *The closed solicitation has been included below for reference: Originally built in 1953, the University House was the residence for the University President. As well as being a residence, the lower level of the house was used for events. In 2006 the house changed uses to strictly an event space. Since that time, the use of the space has been challenged with accessibility and appropriate size spaces for the types of functions needed. The existing building is a split level building with many steps to move from one area to another, which makes it problematic for anyone with mobility challenges as well as movement of services. The existing building also has outstanding maintenance needs, therefore the University is proposing to demolish the building and replace it with the Academic Research Center. The University needs an Academic Research Center to serve as a supporting role to the preeminent research happening at the University of Florida. The Center will host small academic conferences, visiting research faculty presentations, and other events with different sized meeting rooms, wide corridors to display art, full catering kitchen and support offices. The Center will have technology to allow the conferences to be hybrid to share the research that occurs at UF with the wider international research community. The exterior space will need to be covered for exterior breakout and event space. The building site is approximately 8.5 acres and will include substantial site work, two new vehicular entry sequences, minimal parking and a covered drop-off will need to be included. The landscape is envisioned to be a park like setting where conference attendees, students, faculty, staff and visitors will want to visit. Also on the site will be a pavilion with restrooms, covered event space, and storage. The new center should be barrier free and create a warm inviting atmosphere. The method of Contractor Selection has not been Determined at this time.
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