Construction at FAMU-FSU Engineering starts today with three projects, entrance closures, parking changes

We have exciting news!

We are pleased to announce that starting today construction crews will begin work on three major construction projects. In response to your requests and suggestions, we are improving: 1) FAMU-FSU Engineering hardscaping/landscaping, 2) Building A parking lot lights, and  3) Compressed gas cylinder storage facility.
 
While the timing of the construction is not ideal, we are taking advantage of funds made available in this fiscal cycle which requires construction be complete by June 30. We invite you to look through the description and sketches included in this email. Some of the plans are still being revised so WYSMNBWYG (what you see may not be what you get).
Unfortunately, there will be some disruptions. Please read below so you can plan modifications to your normal routine.

Entrance closures – Beginning tomorrow, three main entrances will be closed for several months.

• Main entrance (east) to building A
• Central entrance (from Pottsdamer/south entrance)
• The food court entrance to B (from the grass field/north entrance)

Please enter the building by using the stairwell entrances in A or the two entrances on the walkway from the B parking lot.

So, what’s it all about?

• FAMU-FSU Engineering hardscaping/landscaping – You asked for outdoor study spaces and this project will provide tables and chairs within a greener environment while creating a safer, easier access route from the building A parking area to the entrance. Improvements will make the building A main entrance more welcoming, the central entrance will become more of a courtyard and a new patio area off of the food court area will provide additional seating and study space.
• Building A parking lot lights upgrade – By replacing the existing parking lot fixtures with new LED  fixtures that are brighter, have wider coverage, and are more energy efficient we will enhance your safety and well-being. Two light poles will be added along the gravel parking area by the volleyball courts and one light pole by the north entrance to the B parking lot, increasing safety for our constituents.
• Compressed gas cylinder storage – We will build a storage facility on the north end of building A (near the machine shop) to provide a central location for delivery and pickup of compressed gas cylinders. By storing spare compressed gas cylinders outside of the building, we will reduce hazards and provide quick access to replacement gases for our labs.

ADA accommodation

The south stairwell entrances on A (the golf course side) are at ground level, but do not have automatic door openers. An ADA accessible entrance with an automatic door opener is available at the west entrance on the walkway from the B parking lot. If you need a special accommodation, please contact Donald Hollett at 850-410-6600 and we’ll work to find a solution.

Parking changes

• Motorcycles: The motorcycle parking directly across from building A east entrance will be closed, however the remaining motorcycle parking spaces in the lot will remain. We are working to designate additional spaces for motorcycle parking.
• ADA accommodation: Some accessible parking spaces in front of building A will be closed during construction. Additional accessible parking is available in the small lot along Pottsdamer Street (by the stairwell near the bus stop) and in the B lot. We hope to temporarily designate additional spaces  as accessible parking during construction.

We apologize for the inconvenience that these upgrades will cause. A few parking spaces along the gravel area by the volleyball courts will be fenced off. You may need to make use of the overflow parking between Engineering and AME (by the lake).

Please remember that vehicles must be parked in a legal parking space or they may be ticketed (this includes any parked in the grassy area on the other side of the road from the volleyball courts).

Safety

The safety of each of you, our students and employees, is very important. In fact, each project has been designed to enhance safety and convenience at the college. During this period of construction we urge you to be mindful of construction equipment, vehicles, and workers. Please do not enter any of the construction areas, even if work is not occurring at the time. You can help by being alert for safety issues and reporting them promptly to the dean’s office so we can take action. Remember, safety doesn’t happen by accident.