Florida Polytechnic University celebrated the grand opening of its University Safety and Operations Center (USO) on Thursday, Oct. 15, enhancing campus security, facilities services and emergency readiness as the University continues to grow.
The $5.4 million, 10,500-square-foot facility brings the University’s Police Department, Facilities and Safety Services, and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) under one roof. University leaders, local law enforcement partners and community marked the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a tour of the building.
“Much of the work that happens within the walls of this new facility takes place behind the scenes, but it is essential to our University’s success,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, Florida Poly’s president. “The University Safety and Operations Center strengthens our ability to care for our campus and protect our community, allowing our students, faculty and staff to focus on learning, doing their best work and reaching their goals.”
The USO’s public safety wing provides space for the Florida Poly Police Department to expand its team and support its community-oriented policing efforts. It includes private offices, secure equipment and weapons storage, and a large patrol briefing room for daily operations and training, along with showers and a full kitchen.
At the building’s core, the Emergency Operations Center provides a command and coordination space to manage the University’s response to severe weather and other emergencies.
“Keeping our campus safe starts with the work we do every day, from training our officers to building trust with our students and employees,” said Police Chief Aaron Murray. “This center gives us the space and resources to do that work more effectively and collaborate more closely with the teams who support our campus. Together, we can better serve our growing community and be ready when it needs us most.”
Across the lobby, the facilities wing supports the upkeep of campus buildings and infrastructure. A large maintenance shop gives staff space to make repairs and carry out maintenance, while nearby offices and collaborative workspaces accommodate daily work.
“Having our facilities and safety teams operating out of the same building significantly improves our service and coordination,” said David Calhoun, assistant vice president for Facilities and Safety Services. “We now have a functional, shared space that keeps our crews connected and gives us exactly what we need to maintain this campus as it grows.”
Architecture firm Furr, Wegman & Banks (FWB) designed the building, Kimley-Horn provided engineering services and Miller Construction built the facility.
“Working closely with the University’s Facilities and Safety Services and University Police Department, FWB developed a facility that thoughtfully addresses the campus’s safety, security and resiliency needs,” said M. Aaron Banks, president of Furr, Wegman & Banks Architects, P.A. “The building is carefully designed to complement the character of the surrounding campus while establishing a high standard for design excellence, quality craftsmanship and long-term performance that will help shape the future of Florida Polytechnic University.”
Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
