Florida signs contract to renovate the O’Connell Center

Special to GC on the Florida Gators

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Stephen C. O’Connell Center renovation project is officially a go as the University of Florida has inked construction authorization paperwork with contractor Brasfield & Gorrie, one of the nation’s largest privately held construction firms. The renovation of this iconic building is a unique partnership between UF and the University Athletic Association to help fund and manage the $64.5-million project.

The design process began in July 2014, and this major milestone is the culmination of the hard work of many constituencies on campus. With the planning stages of the project complete, the building process is set to begin, as Tuesday marks pre-bid meetings with subcontractors and small businesses interested in working on the project along with Brasfield & Gorrie, Davis Architects and TLC Engineering.

Visual manifestations of work such as construction fences will begin to appear as early as October, though the O’Connell Center will remain fully operational until the massive overhaul begins in Spring 2016.

Renderings of the O'Dome for the Florida Gators basketball team -1280x816
Renderings of the O’Dome for the Florida Gators basketball team/ photo courtesy of the UAA

 

The strategic design and the amenity improvements involved in this project will provide students, fans, alumni and patrons with a dramatically new experience. The scope of the renovation includes a seating bowl update, the addition of premium seating areas, installation of a state-of-the-art center-hung scoreboard, upgrades to team spaces and an enhanced concourse to improve the fan experience.

 

 

Renderings of the O'Dome for the Florida Gators basketball team-1280x457

Renderings of the O’Dome for the Florida Gators basketball team/ photo courtesy of the UAA

 

O’Connell Center Renovation FAQs

Q: When will the project begin?

A: The design process is complete, and portions of construction are scheduled to begin in Fall 2015. However, the O’Connell Center will remain fully operational until the massive renovation phase begins in Spring 2016.

 

Q: When will construction be complete?

A: The renovation is scheduled to be completed in time for UF’s Fall semester commencement in December 2016.

Renderings of the O'Dome for the Florida Gators basketball team-1280x847
Renderings of the O’Dome for the Florida Gators basketball team/ photo courtesy of the UAA

 

Q: How much does this renovation cost?

A: The estimated cost for renovating the O’Connell Center is $64.5 million.

 

Q: How is the renovation being funded?

A: The University of Florida and the University Athletic Association are partnering to fund the project.

 

Q: Is this renovation just about athletics?

A: No, though many of UF’s athletic teams will benefit. The O’Connell Center hosts a wide variety of events that benefit the entire university and the Gainesville community, including UF commencement, concerts, trade shows, job fairs and local high school graduations.

Q:  What does the renovation entail?

A:  The strategic design and the amenity improvements involved in this project will provide students, fans, alumni and patrons with a dramatically new experience. The scope of the renovation includes a seating bowl update, the addition of premium seating areas, installation of a state-of-the-art center-hung scoreboard, upgrades to team spaces and an enhanced concourse to improve the fan experience.

Q: Why not just build a new arena?

A: The O’Connell Center is ideally situated in the heart of the UF campus, which makes it easily accessible and a vibrant part of student life. A new construction would have been more costly and would have had to go in a location less conducive to the many functions of the O’Connell Center.

 

Q: Will the construction impact traffic around the O’Connell Center?

A:  At this time, we do not expect traffic flow to be affected.

 

Q: Where will Spring & Summer 2016 commencement ceremonies be held?

A: Currently, UF plans to host Spring commencement ceremonies at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and Summer commencement at the Phillips Center and/or other locations on campus while the O’Connell Center is under renovation.

 

Q: Where will volleyball compete in the 2016 season?

A: Volleyball will host its 2016 home schedule at Santa Fe College. Santa Fe launched its volleyball team in 2014, coached by former Gator assistant coach Nick Cheronis, and will have the capability of hosting UF’s volleyball matches the following season, as well.

 

Q: Where will men’s and women’s basketball play the early part of their 2016-17 schedules?

A: Men’s basketball plans to play some games around the state of Florida, in cities and venues to be determined. The women’s team will pursue a similar, though not identical, plan for its early-season home schedule.

 

Q: What improvements will affect gymnastics and swimming & diving?

A: The recently-renovated gymnastics studio will not be affected, but upgrades will be performed on the locker room, as well as the addition of video viewing and lounge space at gymnastics. Improvements in the natatorium area will include improved indoor air quality, restrooms and concessions adjacent to the natatorium, as well as a separate entrance for use when there are multiple events going on.

 

Q: Will seating at men’s basketball be impacted?

A: Yes. Seating will be impacted to some degree with the removal of smaller, bleacher seating and addition of larger, chair back seating in all of level one. The seating plan for the renovation has not been finalized yet, so the impact of seating changes is not specifically known. Once we learn about the specific seating changes to the O’Connell Center and have finalized a seating plan, we will alert our fans of such changes.

 

Q: Who is working on the renovation?

A: The project is being coordinated through the UF Planning, Design and Construction office with members of the O’Connell Center and University Athletic Association staffs providing input. The design and build team also includes Davis Architects, Brasfield & Gorrie General Contractors and TLC Engineering.

 

Q:  Tell me about Davis Architects and Brasfield & Gorrie.

A:  Davis Architects: Davis Architects is a nationally recognized architecture, interior design, and planning firm headquartered in Birmingham, Ala. The firm is comprised of over 35 dedicated team members that specialize in athletic and higher education environments. Since 1912, our firm has designed transformative and engaging spaces and has set itself apart as a leader in athletic facility design. With dozens of large scale, $50M+ projects completed in recent years, we take an individual approach to each client and project and believe exceptional design transcends style to serve the core needs of the people who inhabit the space.

 

Brasfield & Gorrie: Founded in 1964, Brasfield & Gorrie is one of the nation’s largest privately held construction firms, providing general contracting, design-build, and construction management services for a wide variety of markets. The company is skilled in construction best practices, including virtual design and construction, integrated project delivery, and lean construction, but is best known for its preconstruction and self-perform expertise and exceptional client service. Brasfield & Gorrie has 11 offices and approximately 2,600 employees. Its office in Jacksonville, Fla., is leading the O’Connell Center construction project. Engineering News-Record ranks Brasfield & Gorrie 27th among the nation’s “Top 400 Contractors” for 2015.

 

Q: How can I support the project?

A: If you are interested in making a gift to help with the renovation, please contact Gator Boosters at (352) 375-4683, Ext. 5000.

Andrew Spivey
Andrew always knew he wanted to be involved with sports in some capacity. He began by coaching high school football for six years before deciding to pursue a career in journalism. While coaching, he was a part of two state semifinal teams in the state of Alabama. Given his past coaching experience, he figured covering recruiting would be a perfect fit. He began his career as an intern for Rivals.com, covering University of Florida football recruiting. After interning with Rivals for six months, he joined the Gator Country family as a recruiting analyst. Andrew enjoys spending his free time on the golf course and watching his beloved Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Twitter at @AndrewSpiveyGC.