LOCATION: Gainesville, Florida
OWNER: University of Florida
ARCHITECT: Rowe Architects, Inc.
BUDGET: $3,600,000
COMPLETION DATE: September 2012

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Ajax has partnered with Rowe Architects, Inc. on this Design / Build Project that will consist of selective demolition, renovation and vertical expansion of the existing Weimer Hall structure in order to create a Convergence Newsroom, which will serve as the central hub for media content production, for the University of Florida, College of Journalism and Communications. Renovated and added spaces will include a Central Assignment Desk area, space for fifty new workstations, breakout rooms, faculty offices, conference room and two Handicap accessible unisex bathrooms. Total renovated area will be approximately 5,200 GSF on the existing second level of Weimer Hall immediately east of the “Piano Wing”. The vertical expansion, which will add approximately 9,000 GSF to Weimer Hall, will be located directly above the renovated space allowing the Convergence Newsroom to be a two-story atrium with support spaces opening into the space on both levels. Structural framing will be steel and exterior walls will be painted cement plaster on metal framing and roof shall be low-slope clerestory.

CURRENT STATUS (5/1/12):

During the month of April, 2012, Ajax worked towards completing the “Main Street” Atrium Stair. The stair is scheduled to be turned over the College of Journalism and Communications on May 4, 2012. The fire protection retro-fit work continues and work is has progressed through 12 of 16 work zones. That work is scheduled to be completed by the end of May. In the expansion, drywall and finishing work are ongoing as well as MEP trade rough-ins. The most notable milestone is the completion of the installation of all chilled beams.  Early painting of metal surfaces has begun and grid installation has also begun in the high atrium ceiling. AHU-12 is scheduled for commissioning soon and AHU-30 startup shall take place in early May. On the outside, the final ply of roofing has been installed and the stucco work is nearing completion. The storefront windows have been caulked and exterior painting is coming soon.

The Media Convergence Center (UF College of Jounalism & Communications) Twitter

The Media Convergence Center (UF College of Jounalism & Communications) Facebook

Lifting Beams - UF CJC Construction Video