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Welcome to the Inaugural Edition of the Planning, Design & Construction (PDC) Newsletter!
We’re thrilled to launch this monthly bulletin where you’ll find highlights from our projects, updates on upcoming selections, fun items that celebrate our campus and all the news and changes happening inside PDC. Whether you’re a project partner, student, faculty, staff, or a member of the broader campus community, we hope this newsletter keeps you inspired and informed about how we’re shaping our built environment.
Here’s to beginning a new way of sharing, connecting, and building together!
| ✦ Bruce Daley, AVP | Planning, Design & Construction | | |
| Image Credit: Bora Architecture & Interiors + Walker Architects |
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Reimagined School of Music UF-672
The New Music Building will bring the arts to the heart of campus, creating a vibrant destination that reflects the growth and ambition of UF’s music program. Accelerating UF’s vision to create a world-class facility on par with its growing program. The project is currently renovating the existing School of Music facility, a 1971 Brutalist structure, integrating it with a contemporary new addition. This will include a 500-seat concert hall designed to create an immersive experience for both the performers and the audience. The design draws upon the concept of origami, inspired by the “unfolding” of the School of Music to take on a new identity while referencing defining features of the existing building.
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Team:
A/E: Bora Architecture & Interiors with Walker Architects; Affiliated Engineers
CM: Barr & Barr
PDC PM: Joslyn Diaz
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Thompson Earth Science Institute - Addition UF-396
The new TESI Earth Systems Addition at the Florida Museum of Natural History will provide new and improved spaces for public functions. Sparking curiosity about the world we live in and inspiring people to care about present and future life on earth.
Architecturally, the new addition will provide a unique visual and physical identity. Starting with a warm, friendly, and comfortable entry experience that connects the Museum to the cultural plaza. Inspired by nature, the building’s exterior metal panel façade draws on the porous texture of limestone and the varied patterns of local wildlife, including fish and reptiles.
The project will also include a new lobby, ticketing desk, exhibition space, retail area, storage, catering pantry, public restrooms, and picnic areas, as well as renovations to the existing Denny Gallery and multipurpose room.
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Team:
A/E: Ennead Architects; Affiliated Engineers
CM: Scorpio Corporation
PDC PM: Keith Humphreys
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| Image Credit: Oelrich Construction |
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Astraeus Space Institute MP09105
Within the first floor of the Computer Science & Engineering Building is the newly completed renovation for the Astraeus Space Institute. Across 4,300 SF, this renovation features a vibrant, bright space for Mission Control, alongside a new conference room and office spaces.
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Team:
A/E: TTV Architects; Campbell Spellicy Engineering
CM: Oelrich Construction
PDC PM: André Ferraro
| | Project Manager Promotions | | |
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After earning my bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and completing my master’s degree at UF while working at UF Facilities Services. I transferred into the role as a Project Manager at PDC in 2022. I have six years of industry experience in this role. I look forward to applying my knowledge, experience, and perspective while continuing to grow and learn along the way.
Project Manager III - One of my current projects is working on the historic Infirmary building, helping it transform into the Hamilton School of Classical and Civic Education. I’m also working on projects focused on upgrading the utility infrastructure across campus. Both projects provide a great opportunity to be involved in work that will have a lasting impact on the campus and the community.
One of the things I’m most excited about is the opportunity to work alongside so many talented individuals who play an important role in keeping these projects moving forward. I’m looking forward to building new relationships, collaborating with different teams, and seeing these projects come together. I am excited for what’s ahead and grateful for the opportunity to be part of the team.
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I am a graduate of the University of Florida with a B.A. in Business Administration and a specialization in Urban and Regional Planning. Prior to joining PDC, I worked at the Heavener School of Business and UF Facilities Services. I have been working at the University of Florida since 2012 and joined PDC in February 2022 as a Project Manager.
Project Manager III - I am currently working on a New Space Instrumentation Lab for the Bryant Space Science Center. As well as the remodeling and renovation of the Chemical Engineering building. The existing building is being fully renovated from the first through the fourth floor. The project includes replacing the existing HVAC and exhaust systems to serve the renovated spaces, as well as installing a new generator, elevator, and cleanrooms.
With this new role, one of the things I’m most excited about is a bit typical, but it is always learning new things, meeting new people, solving known unknowns and unknown unknowns.
| | Welcome New PDC Team Members | | |
I bring over eight years of experience serving as an owner’s representative, from managing ground-up construction and development projects to land acquisition through occupancy. As well as renovation projects in both commercial real estate and educational facilities. Before joining UF, I worked with Marion County Public Schools, Avison Young, and Easton Development Company. I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida before hopping across the pond to London, England, where I completed my MBA.
Project Manager III - I am working mostly on major construction projects throughout the main campus, making sure they remain on schedule and on budget.
As a UF Alumna, I am excited to be working at my Alma Mater and being part of the growth of the university.
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I'm blessed to share my life with an incredible wife and our two amazing children, all of whom proudly call Gainesville home. For nearly two decades, I've built my career in the construction industry, serving in a variety of roles that have provided a broad range of experience and perspectives. Having worked alongside UF on projects for more than a decade, I am excited to bring my experience, local knowledge, and unique perspective to the PDC team.
Project Manager II - I help manage projects, while overseeing budgets, schedules, and ensuring successful project delivery from concept through completion.
What excites me most about this new role is the opportunity to work alongside the phenomenal team at PD&C and contribute to the continued growth and success of the University of Florida.
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I grew up in southeast Alabama and am a proud graduate of Auburn University. I have a bachelor's degree in Biosystems Engineering with a focus in Ecological Engineering. I relocated to Blacksburg, Virginia and worked as a civil engineering technician at a multidisciplinary firm designing and drafting residential construction plans. My family and I relocated to Gainesville in December of 2024, where I began working with engineering students at UF as an academic advisor in January of 2025. Joined PDC this year in 2026.
Project Manager II - I help manage minor construction projects on main campus. One project that I am currently working on is renovating the New Engineering Building second-floor admin suite.
One exciting aspect about working with PD&C is both being a part of the UF community and serving it with my work.
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Case Study Flavet Park Outdoor Recreation Complex UF-681
The Flavet Outdoor Recreation Complex, also known as Flavet Park, officially opened in January 2026 on the north-central side of campus. Created in response to growing student demand and the loss of outdoor recreation space across campus, the redevelopment provides expanded opportunities for recreation, wellbeing, and social connection.
| | Image Credit: Sky Palm Studios | | |
University of Florida Opens Campus in Jacksonville UF-707
The University of Florida officially opened its new Jacksonville campus Wednesday, marking a significant expansion of the university’s presence in Northeast Florida and bringing graduate education, research and workforce development to downtown Jacksonville combined with statewide economic impact.
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Topping Out PK Yonge New Gymnasium UF-677
The completion of a milestone was celebrated for the P.K. Yonge Gym project, with a topping out ceremony on September 3rd hosted by Scorpio Construction. This 33,000 SF gym will replace the school’s aging 1957 gym and provide faculty, researchers, and over 1,350 students, with state-of-the-art spaces for athletics, physical education, fitness, and wellness.
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AE Contract Template (Planning Projects) updated September 2026
source file
Landscape Design Standards Revised updated August 2026
source file
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UF-712 East Recreation Center
AE Qualification Package Due Nov 5, 2026 - 3:00 PM
more info
UF-702 Utility Infrastructure Upgrades
CM Qualification Package Due
Nov 19, 2026 - 3:00 PM
more info
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Did you know the campus of UF has its own ghost stories?
UF’s historic spaces and buildings hold the myths of previous residents and generations, such as The Lady in Blue who haunts a now-office, former barn, in the more historic sector of Campus’ IFAS district.
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Fundraiser: PDC Annual Cornhole Tournament
February 26th, 2027
All proceeds will benefit the 'UF Campaign for Charities'. More details about registration, location, and contribution opportunities will be posted soon, so please be sure to Save the Date!
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