by Caroline Gabsewics
Staff Writer
The University of North Florida President John Delaney broke ground on Wednesday to mark the beginning of construction for the new Social Sciences Building.
The new building will also be Jacksonville’s first LEED-certified building.
“This marks the transformation of unique learning experiences,” said Delaney. “We know the buildings don’t teach, but they help create a unique learning environment for our students.”
Delaney put on his hard hat and helped break ground for the Social Sciences Building by driving a backhoe and moving the first bit of dirt.
“We are excited about the buildings possibilities for not just teaching, but also its research and community outreach activities,” he said.
The new three-story building will house five classrooms, two theater-like classrooms, laboratories, faculty and administrative offices, conference rooms and study lounges. Delaney said, the building will have the latest technology and wireless communications.The building is expected to open Fall 2006.
Since UNF is located in a nature preserve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Building uses a system that helps make the building more environmentally friendly, such as reducing energy use, recycling stations and using materials that, do little damage to the building’s surrounding environment.
“These are signature buildings, we want to try and make them a work of art,” said Delaney. “We want to do it right.”
Anne Hicks, a board of trustee member is excited to see the development of the campus.
“It represents the growth in the number of students being served as well as the growth in the quality of education the students will receive,” she said.