Florida Polytechnic University celebrated a major milestone with the debut of its 40,000-square-foot Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center (GCW) on Tuesday, Nov. 18. The $15 million facility adds state-of-the-art laboratory space and equipment designed to elevate student learning, fuel innovation and solidify the University’s role as an economic driver for the state of Florida.
The GCW features advanced research and development labs for multiple engineering disciplines, an autonomous technology bay, faculty offices, a large conference room and collaborative workspaces. Created with flexibility and long-term adaptability in mind, the building’s high ceilings, roll-up bay doors and industrial-grade infrastructure allow for large-scale projects and evolving academic needs.
“The Gary C. Wendt Engineering Building stands as a powerful symbol of innovation, collaboration and hands-on learning,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, Florida Poly’s president. “It will provide students and faculty with the tools to tackle complex challenges, explore emerging technologies and strengthen industry collaboration – allowing us to dream bigger, think bolder and achieve more than ever before.”
The building is named in honor of former Florida Poly Trustee and longtime supporter Gary C. Wendt, whose leadership and generosity have greatly advanced the University’s mission. In 2022, the former chairman and CEO of GE Capital made a generous $2 million contribution to the University.
The GCW is Florida Poly’s third academic facility, joining the iconic Innovation, Science and Technology building and the Barnett Applied Research Center, a 90,000-square-foot research facility that opened in 2022. An $85 million, 138,400-square-foot Student Achievement Center is currently in design and will serve as hub for career and student success services. All of these facilities are critical in supporting the University’s goal of growing to 3,000 students by 2030.
“This building represents progress, not just for our University, but for the entire state of Florida,” said Beth Kigel, chair of Florida Poly’s Board of Trustees. “It reflects our bold-thinking approach to high-tech education and our commitment to fueling the state’s economy. Within those walls, future engineers will design, build and innovate in ways that shape industries and advance Florida’s position as a leader in technology and innovation.”
Charles Perry Partners, Inc. (CPPI), served as the project’s design-build and construction management firm. John Weaver, vice president and regional manager, highlighted the firm’s pride in contributing to Florida Poly’s continued growth.
“CPPI views this project as a remarkable opportunity to be part of the design-build team advancing technology and setting a strong foundation for the continued growth of Florida Polytechnic University,” Weaver said. “Our team has a deep understanding of the University’s evolving needs and the critical resources required to support its mission of innovation and excellence.”
DLR Group provided the architectural design services that brought the center to life.
“By integrating a modular design with exposed building systems, we have created a facility that accelerates applied research needs and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration,” said Arlenne Gil, principal and architect at DLR Group. “This flexible environment sets the stage for measurable innovation and meaningful student impact across the STEM disciplines.”
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