Print ArticleThe land for the Downtown Campus was purchased in 1975. The college was seen as an opportunity to eliminate an area that was considered a major slum by the city's leaders. Development plans called for phased construction. Phase one would include the construction of a 305,000 square foot complex featuring an auditorium, TV studio, bookstore, food services, a student lounge, library, conference rooms and 1,000 parking spaces. Dedication for this phase was held on August 15, 1977.
This aerial image illustrates the size of FCCJ's campus in relation with the Downtown area. It also shows what was eliminated to make room for the college.
Downtown Campus Directory
The Advanced Technology Center (above) is a specialized 125,000 square foot facility used for teaching technical topics such as network technology, automotive repair, natural science labs, etc. The $30 million dollar facility opened in 2002.
The Martin Center (below) is home to the central administrative functions of the college. The $4.8 million, 78,000 square foot administration building was completed in 1982. It is adjacent to Cancer Surviors Park. The one acre park is the result of a donation from Richard and Annette Block, the "R" in H & R Block.
While the school looks quiet from the street, the central pedestrian mall is a place of activity. The campus bookstore and cafeteria are both located along the pedestrian mall corridor.
State Street forms the campus' northern boundary.
Urban Integration
With proper urban planning, FCCJ could become a stronger driver of economic development. Currently, the vibrant atmosphere of the Downtown Campus is completely cut off from its surroundings.
Iron fencing separates the campus from the nearby Rosa Parks/FCCJ Skyway station. To access the campus, one must walk either a block to the east or west.
The blocks between the heart of downtown are separated by social services, parking garages, vacant lots and high vehicular traffic corridors. This lethal combination results in a setting that limits walkability and connectivity with the urban core surrounding the campus. It is also creates a visual imprint of the area that is damaging to the college's image.
Despite being adjacent to Springfield and Downtown, FCCJ's stretch of Laura Street is dominated by a series of surface parking lots.
Despite bordering Main Street, a large masonry wall cuts the school off from the main gateway into Springfield and its commercial corridor.
However, there are some nearby assets that could be better linked to bridge the gap between the school and the urban core.
Future Expansion Plans
As FCCJ continues to prosper, expansion is expected to push east towards Laura Street. While the campus master plan illustrates a long term vision that does not embrace connectivity, every effort should be taken by the college, city, and nearby neighborhoods to ensure that proper integration takes place.
Photo article by Ennis Davis
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Ocklawaha
February 11, 2009, 12:41:03 PMI would submit that THIS is the best solution for the Campus to grow. Extend the Skyway to an FCCJ/Bethel Station, then on to Main, where it could interchange with Streetcars and bus services to the Northside of the City.
OCKLAWAHA
ProjectMaximus
February 11, 2009, 12:46:11 PMYeah, FCCJ's downtown expansion could be an excellent opportunity for the core. Hope things are done right.
BTW, i love the new photo archive!! Tremendous stuff, metrojax!
thelakelander
February 11, 2009, 01:27:00 PMProjectMaximus, I love to new photo archive too. Kudos to Lunican for getting it up and running.
Ock, Skyway aside, how would you propose addressing the street and buildings? The major disconnect between the campus and its surroundings is that all the activity takes place in an environment sealed off from everything else.
Ocklawaha
February 11, 2009, 06:14:37 PMI think the "MALL" that runs between the buildings EAST AND WEST, could add a NORTH SOUTH component under the Skyway as a sort of "SKYWAY MALL AT FCCJ". As new infill takes place the focus would then be more of a tee shape then a single hidden corridor. The North South mall would open up to expose the excitement at Bethel and across from Rosa Parks.
OCKLAWAHA
JeffreyS
February 11, 2009, 06:43:29 PMThat's a cool idea Ock. I wonder if schools like to have more of a general public presence in their food/retail areas.
thelakelander
February 11, 2009, 07:26:37 PMAs the campus is expanded, the mall could also be extended to Main Street, since it aligns with Orange Street. By doing such, you then tie the campus in with Laura, Main and Confederate Park.