University of Tampa to build new four-story building

The University of Tampa announced that construction will soon begin on a new, four-story, 90,000-sq.-ft. building on campus.

The lead architect on the project is Kreher Wehling Jacquette Architects and EWI Construction has been selected to build the new structure.

The Ferman Center for the Arts building, named in honor of the Ferman family – longtime supporters of the university – will include a recital hall, black box theater, classrooms, practice rooms, art and dance studios, faculty and administrative offices, student study spaces and much more.

The location of the building is at the southwest corner of North Boulevard and Spaulding Drive. It is currently the site of the Edison Building, which will be demolished to make room for construction.

The central focus of the building includes a multi-use lobby space that provides gallery walls for displaying art work, which leads into another area for music and dance performances. Above this elevated performance area is a combination study and gallery. The two are connected by an artistic, circular stair which features a performance stage mid-landing that is suitable for musical performances, readings or addresses to a crowd.

Other building features include: a 200-seat, acoustically-tuned theatre, ideal for recitals and other musical performances, dance programs, film screenings and speeches; Two sound insulated music classrooms, and six general education classrooms; 12 music practice rooms, music teaching studios and instrument storage; Three recording studios with a professional level control room; A black box theater designed for flexible stage and audience interaction, including rehearsal spaces; A large painting studio and 20 small advanced painting collaborative project studios; A courtyard with casting/sand pit area and furnaces for casting metal or ceramic art; Sculpture studio and wood/metal fabrication shop, including a plasma cutter; The Center for Speech; Student study and meeting spaces throughout; and many faculty offices as well as faculty lounges and part-time faculty office and study spaces.

The architecture will feature glass, wood, red-brick and steel to complement other campus buildings, including the iconic Plant Hall. The interior will be a contemporary, functional, dynamic space that exudes creativity and innovation.

The building is set to be complete by fall 2020.