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FSU Facilities News

7/10 - 8/2: W Madison St Bike Lane Closure

07/10/2024



7/10 - 8/2: W Madison St Bike Lane ClosurePlease be advised that starting Wednesday, July 10 through Friday, August 2, the eastbound bike lane on W Madison St from S Macomb St to Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd will be closed due to road work along W Madison St between the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center and the Legacy Hall construction site. All other traffic lanes will remain open.


 
 

7/8 - 8/23: Utility Installation at University Center D

07/08/2024



7/8 - 8/23: Utility Installation at University Center DPlease be advised that underground utility work will take place from July 8 through August 23, 2024, impacting pedestrian and vehicular traffic between University Center D and the football practice fields. The work will take place in two phases.


During this closure, please use the University Center A main entrance to access the College of Motion Picture Arts.


 
 

7/10, 7/17, and 7/24 - Scheduled UCC Power Outages

07/08/2024



A power outage will affect University Center C on Wednesday, July 10, 17, and 24th. Each outage will start at 9:00 p.m. and end at 5:00 a.m.


The outages are necessary to support ongoing construction work in the area.


 
 

Building Excellence: Lashea Alexander

07/08/2024


Building Excellence: Dea ArenthBuilding Services strives to provide the most efficient, versatile, timely, and economic Custodial Service program possible. As the current Assistant Director of Building Services, Lashea Alexander is essential in providing guidance for the main campus custodial staff and custodial contractors for the off-site buildings.


Alexander moved into her current position in 2015 but has worked at FSU for 19 years. She began working at FSU in 2004 as a Building Services Custodial Supervisor after working as a branch manager at Advance America for several years. Since then, she has become a Maintenance Support Specialist, received a promotional opportunity to become Superintendent, and continued to progress to her current role.


 
 

Building Excellence: Dea Arenth

07/01/2024


Building Excellence: Dea ArenthPreventative maintenance is essential for keeping FSU’s campus safe and functioning and could not be accomplished without the work of those such as Dea Arenth, who currently works in Facilities’ Preventative Maintenance Shop under Mike Ochat. This coming October is Arenth’s one-year celebration of being in the role.


In her current role, Arenth is responsible for completing various work assignments throughout different buildings on campus and maintaining the machines there. This includes working exhaust fans, HVAC units, chill water pumps, hot water pumps, and condensate pumps to keep them in proper operating order.


 
 

All About Agave

07/01/2024


All About AgaveFlorida State’s campus is renowned for its natural beauty – from the sprawling branches of the oak trees to the flowers blooming across campus – the landscape is one that is often admired. Yet, a unique and rare bloom is currently sprouting up across campus, one that might be missed if people did not know how to look. Century plants, or formally known as Agave Americana, are shooting up their sprouts in three different locations at FSU, but what makes them unique?


Unlike other plants, century plants bloom only once every 40 to 60 years (it does not take a whole century as the name implies) but the reason for why these plants bloom and when they will is still unknown. Yet, after they bloom, these plants will quickly wilt and die, giving the chance for viewers to see their blooms a short timeframe. Despite the death of these plants, there is no reason to shed a tear, as throughout the plant’s lifetime it produced “pups” which are budding century plants at its base. These pups will continue to grow and one day bloom in the decades to come.


 
 

Building Excellence: Marvin Simmons

06/10/2024


Building Excellence: Marvin SimmonsFSU’s Utilities Plant works to provide crucial utility services to support the entire University Community. As Operations Superintendent at the Utilities Plant for the last four years, Marvin Simmons has been essential in ensuring that amenities such as chilled water, steam, and electrical are provided to the entire campus.


 
 

Partial Collegiate Loop Closure Beginning June 24

06/20/2024


Partial Collegiate Loop Closure Beginning June 24 Please be advised that a portion of Collegiate Loop, between the Thagard and Shores parking lots and behind Montgomery Hall, will be temporarily closed from June 24 - July 26 due to a steam line replacement in the area.


No thru traffic signs will be posted on Collegiate Loop between Landis Green and the Shores Building, as well as at the intersection of Traditions Way and Collegiate Loop. Those who use affected lots are encouraged to use the Traditions Way Garage. Sidewalks will remain accessible throughout the project.


 
 

TOM Project Enhances Campus Safety with Expanded AED Program

06/18/2024


TOM Project Enhances Campus Safety with Expanded AED ProgramThe TOM Project is a Florida State University health initiative launched in 2021 in memory of Florida State University student Toluwani "Tom" Idowu, who passed away suddenly in 2020 at the age of 22 due to a sudden cardiac arrest while on a run near campus.


“I’m so grateful to the FSU community and to God that a way was made for The TOM Project to be sustainable. This has been a key part to my consolation, that through this project, another might have the hope of life.” Tom’s Mother, Cathy Idowu said.


 
 

Building Excellence: Alfie Brown

06/10/2024


Building Excellence: Alfie BrownThe National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (MagLab) is globally renowned for being the largest and highest-powered magnet lab in the world, conducting groundbreaking research here in Tallahassee. Alfie Brown, who works in Environmental Health & Safety as the Interim Safety Director at the MagLab, plays an important role in ensuring that the facility operates safely.


 
 

Annual Fire Evacuation Drills June 17 - July 12

06/05/2024


Please be advised that FSU Environmental Health & Safety staff will conduct Summer 2024 annual Fire Evacuation Drills in the buildings listed below, starting on June 17th and ending on July 12th.


These drills are required by the State Fire Marshal's office and the Florida Fire Prevention Code and serve as an essential training exercise for faculty, staff, and students should a real fire emergency occur. These exercises are to be conducted at times representing "normal" occupancy, and a complete building evacuation by all building occupants is required by state law.


 
 

June 11 - August 1, 2024 - Westcott Building Crane Staging

06/04/2024


June 11 - August 1, 2024 - Westcott Building Crane StagingPlease be advised that from June 11 - August 1, two cranes will be staged at the Westcott Building due to roof work.


One crane and the contractor’s staging area will be located on the south side of the building with a walkway tunnel for pedestrians from the University Way sidewalk to the building entrance. Another crane will be located on the north side of the building; the roundabout area will remain accessible as construction activities allow.


 
 

June 3 - 7 - S. Woodward Avenue and W. Madison Street Intersection Closure

06/04/2024


Please be advised that due to City of Tallahassee asphalt reconstruction work, the intersection of S. Woodward Avenue and W. Madison Street will have a 24/7 closure beginning Monday, June 3 through Friday, June 7.


 
 

Update on Tree Removal Efforts Following May 10th Tornadoes

06/03/2024


Restoring normalcy after a significant storm event is of the utmost importance. The dedicated team at FSU Facilities is working diligently to restore the campus environment after three tornados touched down on Friday, May 10, severely impacting FSU's Main and Southwest campuses. The storm activity resulted in the loss of an estimated 1,000 trees at FSU. The landscape surrounding the Southwest campus's National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (MagLab) received the brunt of the storm's force and was significantly altered.


 
 

EH&S Announces Organizational Changes, Retirement of Tom Deckert, and Promotion of Sam Sevor

06/03/2024


Associate Director of Building Code Tom Deckert announced his retirement. His last day will be Thursday, June 6, 2024. Tom started his career in 1993 as an Architectural Programmer and transitioned into the building code role in 2001 following a state legislature decision that required all educational entities to have a code compliance division.


 
 

Building Excellence: Ben Arline

05/31/2024


Building Excellence: Ben ArlineChemical Safety is crucial for providing safe working and learning environments for campus laboratories. Ben Arline, Assistant Chemical Safety Officer in Environmental Health & Safety, is responsible for operating protocols for lab personnel interacting with potentially dangerous materials. As a hazmat-certified environmental specialist, Ben is the first responder to on-site hazardous incidents, developing training to enhance safety knowledge and mitigate these occurrences.


 
 

May 25 - 31, 2024 – City of Tallahassee Woodward Ave & W. Madison Street Closure

05/25/2024


Employee Parking Lot Closure Monday, May 20 - Friday, May 25, 2024Please be advised that due to City of Tallahassee sewer work, S. Woodward Avenue will be closed between W. Gaines Street and St. Augustine Street, and W. Madison Street will be closed between S. Woodward Avenue and Lorene Street, beginning Saturday, May 25 through Friday, May 31. Please be aware that this project is unrelated to Florida State University, but it may impact campus operations.


 
 

A Growing Legacy: FSU College of Medicine Chapman Garden

05/22/2024


A Growing Legacy: FSU College of Medicine Chapman GardenThe Chapman Memorial Garden is at the Florida State University College of Medicine and is designed to be an extension of the Thrasher Building. It is named after Jules B. Chapman, M.D., and Annie Lou Chapman, whose foundation provides scholarships to the College of Medicine. The renovated courtyard serves as a welcoming space for students to relax and contemplate the humanistic aspect of practicing medicine. The garden features hardscape plazas, landscaping, irrigation, a water element, and seating to encourage individuals to sit, have lunch, or hold small group meetings.


 
 

Employee Parking Lot Closure Monday, May 20 - Friday, May 25, 2024

05/20/2024


Employee Parking Lot Closure Monday, May 20 - Friday, May 25, 2024Please be advised that a section of the University Center A - North employee parking lot will be inaccessible from Monday, May 20, to Friday, May 25, 2024, due to the setup of a crane in the area. Please see the graphic below for details.


 
 

Building Excellence: Zale Bergozza

05/15/2024


Building Excellence: Zale BergozzaResidence halls serve as a home away from home for many Florida State students. University Housing Maintenance Supervisor Zale Bergozza ensures that students have the best possible on-campus housing experience by overseeing repairs and improvements to the residence halls.


Zale has been celebrating a decade-long career at University Housing. He started as a General Technician, transitioned to Specialty Trades Technician, and became the West Side Maintenance Supervisor. In October 2023, he was promoted to Housing Maintenance Supervisor, where he oversees trades work in all residence halls.


 
 

May 8, 2024 - Chieftan Way Closure

04/26/2024


May 8, 2024 - Chieftan Way ClosurePlease be advised that a section of Chieftan Way between Spirit Way and West Call Street will be closed on Wednesday, May 8, from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. due to maintenance work in the area.


The eastern side of the sidewalk on Chieftan Way will be accessible. Access to the Biomedical Research Facility (BRF) and Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL) parking lots will be available on the Call Street side.


 
 

Woodward Garage Temporary Closure Monday, May 13 - Friday, June 30

04/26/2024


Woodward Garage Temporary ClosureThe Woodward Parking Garage will be undergoing maintenance from Monday, May 13 to Friday, June 30. Please remove your vehicle from Woodward Garage before Monday, May 13.


As sections are completed, levels of the garage may gradually reopen. Stayed tuned for further updates.


 
 

Building Excellence: Zone C&D Facilities Maintenance

04/15/2024


Ceremonial Evergreen Placed at Legacy HallWelcome to Building Excellence! This feature spotlights a Facilities team recognized for going above and beyond to create, maintain, and manage Florida State University's physical environment.


The maintenance teams made up of electricians, plumbers, and maintenance technicians, were recently recognized for their diligent work this spring ahead of important events on campus for our academic partners.


 
 

Facilities Announces New Organizational Structure

04/10/2024


Ceremonial Evergreen Placed at Legacy HallFacilities is pleased to announce that it is transitioning to a new organizational structure. This change ensures that we continue to offer the best possible physical environment to our campus community by creating, maintaining, and operating our buildings, grounds, utility systems, and infrastructure. Facilities leadership has collaborated with human resources to design an organizational structure that will enable us to provide our campus partners with the highest quality of customer service.


 
 

Ceremonial Evergreen Placed at Legacy Hall

04/10/2024


Ceremonial Evergreen Placed at Legacy HallA pine tree was raised on the roof of Legacy Hall during its "Topping Out" ceremony, marking the completion of the building's structural phase. The pine is known as a "Topping Tree," indicating the celebratory nature of the building structure reaching its final height. For builders, the evergreen holds a profound symbolism. It is a testament to the safety and care taken and a beacon of good luck and prosperity for future occupants.


 
 

Annual Steam Outage - May 4 - 12, 2024

04/10/2024


The campus-wide steam outage will begin on Saturday, May 4, and continue until Sunday, May 12. During this period, steam will not be available on campus as the system will be de-energized. The annual outage is necessary to maintain and upgrade the utility system. Facilities is exploring ways to minimize such outages in the future. The work will ensure the system's safety and longevity.


 
 

Facilities Opens New Operations Center

04/09/2024


Facilities Opens New Operations CenterFacilities Information has relocated our operations center to a more modern space within Mendenhall A. The operations center is the central hub for Facilities to monitor campus systems actively. This new space provides enhanced situational awareness of campus activities, events, outages, and external factors such as weather.

The expansion will afford facilities increased operational capacity and more staffing opportunities. With our focus on customer service and transparency, we are confident that the new operations center will contribute to Facilities' culture of Building Excellence.


 
 

Building Excellence: Union+ Maintenance

04/02/2024


Building Excellence: Union+ MaintenanceThe Union+ Maintenance Team maintains the buildings that empower and support students, such as the Student Union, Askew Student Life Center, The Globe, Student Services Building, and more!

The team brings diverse skills to the Union+ zone and is well-equipped to tackle any maintenance issue staff may present. Whether it is a routine inspection, emergency repair, system upgrades, or minor renovations, they are on the ground building excellence daily. The Student Union staff recently recognized the Union+ group for the improvements made in the Student Services Building (SSB), including door restoration, painting, and enhanced entryway aesthetics.


 
 

South Copeland Street Closure - 3/30

03/29/2024


South Copeland Street Closure - 3/30Please be advised that S Copeland Street from W College Ave to W Jefferson St will be shut down on Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Vehicular traffic will be temporarily detoured to S Macomb St.


 
 

Learning Way Lane Closure - 4/5

03/27/2024


Learning Way Lane Closure - 4/5Please be advised that a section of Learning Way's north lane between the Askew Student Life Building and The Globe will be closed on Friday, April 5, 2024, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. due to utility work in the area. Learning Way will be reduced to one lane (alternating traffic), and flaggers will be present to guide traffic.


 
 

AiM Upgrade March 29 - 30

03/27/2024


Facilities ITS is upgrading the AiM work management system. Starting Friday, March 29th at 5 p.m., ITS will turn off all Facilities web request forms that feed into AiM: Service Requests, Housing Requests, Surplus Requests, Special Event Requests, etc.


 
 

EAP Lot Closed Through 4/19

03/22/2024


EAP Lot Closure ImagePlease be advised that the parking lot behind the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) building at 937 W. Jefferson St., will be partially closed through Friday, April 19th, due to demolition work in the area.


 
 

National Call to Artists - Interdisciplinary Research and Commercialization Building (IRCB)

03/06/2024


National Call to Artists - Interdisciplinary Research and Commercialization Building (IRCB)Through the state of Florida's Art in State Buildings program (ASB) Program, Florida State University (FSU) seeks proposals for existing or new 2D or 3D public art to be installed permanently inside or on the grounds of the Interdisciplinary Research and Commercialization Building (IRCB) currently under construction.


 
 

Moore Auditorium Closure & Generator Work at HCB

03/06/2024


Spring Break Graphic w/ Access RouteMoore Auditorium will be closed from March 11-17, 2024.


On March 10th, a generator will be placed on the east side of the HCB Classroom Building. On March 11th, large trucks, trailers, and a crane will be present, blocking the path between Student Union and Moore Auditorium. Alternate routes are available (see map).


 
 

The Late Winter Leaf Drop of Campus Live Oaks

03/05/2024


Live oak leaf shedding on campusFlorida State University's campus is well known for its iconic grounds with the Southern Live Oak being one of its crown jewels. As winter turns to spring in Tallahassee, Live Oaks begin shedding their leaves. Individual Live Oak trees shed their leaves at various times- often weeks apart. However, the spring leaf shedding is currently at its peak throughout campus, resulting in a flurry of leaves dropping that the Facilities' Grounds and Landscaping team is diligently working to keep at bay. They also collect them to be composted at the plant nursery when possible.


 
 

Planning, Design, and Construction Announces New Organizational Structure and Leadership Positions

02/29/2024


Planning, Design, and Construction will transition to a new organizational structure aimed at undertaking the most extensive capital improvement portfolio in Florida State University's history. Considering workload and campus partner satisfaction, Planning, Design, and Construction is pleased to announce three new roles.


 
 

FSU hires new Maintenance Director

02/26/2024


Joel VanRavenswaayFlorida State University Facilities is happy to announce that Joel VanRavenswaay has been selected as the Director of Facilities Maintenance. With a trades career of over three decades and over twenty years of experience in university facilities management, he will serve as a key steward of the physical systems supporting the University's teaching, learning, research, and service goals. VanRavenswaay will begin his new role on February 26th.


 
 

Facilities and Housing Introduces New Service Level Agreement

02/15/2024


As students returned to residence halls after Winter break to gear up for the Spring Semester, FSU Facilities Department and University Housing prepared to implement a new Service Level Agreement (SLA). This collaborative agreement, which took effect on January 5th, outlines the custodial and maintenance services provided by Facilities to Housing and sets the financial expectations for Routine and Non-routine Maintenance.


 
 

Master Craftsman Announces Flaumenhaft Family Gate

02/15/2024


Flaumenhaft Family GateSeminole Boosters unveiled the Flaumenhaft Family Gate of Florida State University's Doak Campbell Stadium on Tuesday, December 12th, 2023. The 3'x12' sign is composed of aluminum and features cast aluminum letters bearing the family's name.

Florida State University Facilities' Master Craftsman Studio oversaw the design and installation of the Flaumenhaft Family Gate sign. It includes a powder-coated finish selected for its durability, lightness, and minimal oxidation in a humid environment.


 
 

Ragans Hall Lobby Updates

01/25/2024


Ragans Hall Lobby UpdatesRagans Residence Hall is an apartment-style dorm on the west of campus comprised of four buildings with a shared lobby. Facilities Design recently completed updated finishes to the lobby, including flooring, carpet, and paint. The Ragan lobby experiences heavy traffic as it is occupied year-round and serves as a contact point for residents and staff.

Ragans Hall was renamed in 2006 in honor of Sherill Williams Ragans, a former residence counselor and housing director. The lobby design features a collage centered on a previously crowded wall, highlighting the hall's namesake.


 
 

Spring Fire Drills

01/04/2024


Please be advised FSU Environmental Health & Safety staff will conduct Spring 2024 Annual Fire Evacuation Drills in the buildings listed below starting on January 17th and ending on February 9th. These drills are required by the State Fire Marshal’s office and the Florida Fire Prevention Code and serve as an important training exercise for faculty, staff, and students should a real fire emergency occur. These exercises are to be conducted at times representing “normal” occupancy and a complete building evacuation by all building occupants is required by state law. Information on the University’s Fire Evacuation Drill Program can be found at https://www.safety.fsu.edu/safety_manual/Fire%20Drills.pdf.


 

Winter Break Outages and Closuress

12/15/2023


Multiple outages and closures are planned for the Winter break, please read more for specifics.


 

Track and Beach Volleyball Facilities Upgrades

12/12/2023


Track and Beach Volleyball Facilities UpgradesThe success of Florida State University Athletics highly depends on having reliable structures and systems in place. Facilities Planning, Design, and Construction is excited to announce the addition of two new storage facilities that will offer additional storage for the Track and Beach Volleyball teams.


 
 

Landis Furniture Improvements

12/12/2023


Landis Furniture ImprovementsBordering Landis Green to the south and sharing the same name, Landis Hall is an essential figure in the heart of Florida State's campus. Home to 400 honors students, University Housing requested a furniture replacement for Landis Hall's common areas, such as study rooms, kitchens, and lounges. The Facilities Design group collaborated with University Housing to foster an environment of collaboration, socialization, and community that recalls the Hall's character while upgrading existing, outdated furniture.


 
 

Honors Way Closure 11/22

11/20/2023


Honors Way Closure 11/22On Wednesday, November 22, 2023, Honors Way will be closed from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. to allow for crane setup to load materials onto the rooftop of Strozier Library. The south entrance to Honors Way will remain open.


 
 

Bio Unit One and Student Union Honored at North Florida Excellence in Construction Awards

11/10/2023


Bio Unit OneThe Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of North Florida Excellence in Construction Awards recognized two Florida State University projects at their awards ceremony on November 9, 2023. Bio Unit One (Childers Construction) received an Eagle Award in the Education: Postsecondary/Higher Education category for projects worth $10 - $25 million. The project transformed the 50-year-old laboratory building's third floor with ten new 660-square-foot state-of-the-art biomedical labs and complementary collaborative spaces, including core labs, support labs, offices, conference rooms, and communal areas.


 
 

Master Craftsman Studio Completes First Federally Approved Project

10/20/2023


Master Craftsman Studio Completes First Federally Approved ProjectMaster Craftsman Studio, an auxiliary unit of Florida State University Facilities, is renowned for its unique art installations and fabrications on Florida State’s campus and public commissions throughout Tallahassee and beyond. The studio achieved a landmark in its 20+ year history, completing its first federally approved monument. The Department of Veterans Affairs was the governing body responsible for the approval. On November 2, the Air Force Association (AFA) Chapter 419 revealed the United States Air Force (USAF) Memorial at the Tallahassee National Cemetery at a ceremony with members of Chapter 419 and their families, representatives from the US Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration, and various community members. The towering Memorial measures 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide, comprises four panels adorned with USAF insignia, and serves as a tribute to the remarkable service and sacrifice of USAF personnel.


 

Central Utilities Plant Firing Boilers On Fuel Oil (10/24 - 10/27)

10/24/2023


FSU’s Central Utilities Plant (CUP), located at 990 Learning Way, will be firing the boilers at CUP on fuel oil starting on Tuesday, October 24, at 11 a.m. This routine process aims to ensure that the boilers are in good working condition in case the city enforces curtailments during winter. CUP will continue this process on Thursday, October 26, and Friday, October 27. During this time, black smoke may be visible for a few minutes.


 

EOAS Construction 10/23 - 10/30

10/20/2023


EOAS Construction 10/23 - 10/30On Monday, 10/23, contractors will begin warranty work on the EOAS Building roof. A crane will be positioned in the loading dock area to lift exhaust fans from the roof to a staging area on grade. Academic way and proximate walkways will remain open but may experience short delays during brief material lifts. Flagmen will be positioned to assist with travel through the area; it is advised to avoid the area during peak travel times. Work is expected to last through Monday, 10/30.


 

Clery Act Drill at Health and Wellness

10/19/2023


Multiple university and community partners collaborated to ensure the success of the Clery Act drillFacilities’ Environmental Health & Safety Department conducted a successful drill on Thursday, October 5, at the Health and Wellness Center. A joint exercise between Environmental Health & Safety, the Health and Wellness Center, FSU Emergency Management, FSU Police Department, Tallahassee Fire Department, and Assa-Abloy (door control contractor), the drill served as a test of the FSU Alert System, an evacuation and fire drill, as well as an inspection of all fire alarm system components.


 

Sadie Greiner Named Chief Construction Officer

10/17/2023


Sadie GreinerSenior VP Kyle Clark announced the advancement of Sadie Greiner as Florida State University's first-ever Chief Construction Officer. Well-known as a proactive leader who guided us through multiple transitions, Sadie joined Facilities in 2021, serving as Chief of Staff and, most recently, Interim AVP. She excels at leveraging existing strengths, acquiring new talent, and identifying areas for improvement.