BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Architectural plans for remodeling the health sciences building at North Florida Technical College have been approved.
Greg Kelly with CRA Architects presented the plans during a March 10 school board workshop.
The health sciences building houses the college’s nursing program, which is being expanded.
The partnership with Santa Fe College to bring a registered nursing program to the college was made possible by a $4 million Florida Capital Funds Project Grant from the state Department of Commerce. The funds came to the state through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and will pay for program enhancements, allowing LPN students at NFTC to bridge into registered nursing right here.
The footprint of the building at the corner of North Orange and West Weldon streets won’t change, but significant remodeling will take place inside.
The large classroom can seat up to 30 students for in-person as well as virtual instruction. There is a 12-bed nursing lab which can be viewed from the faculty office by a large observation window. On the opposite side of the building is a technology lab for labor and delivery simulation alongside another office and observation window. The labs and storage area feature 48-inch doors so beds can be moved.
Remodeled restrooms and the reception area occupy the center of the building, and there is also a student lounge. A concrete pad extending this lounge outside could be added if the budget allows, but Kelly mentioned they are also considering replacing the building’s HVAC system.
“We’re looking at new finishes, new plumbing, new everything in there right now. New HVAC, just a new facility when it’s all said and done,” he said.
Once construction begins, the project will take six to eight months to complete, depending on equipment arrival and how far they can stretch the budget. The next step now that the school board has approved the architectural plans will be board approval to advertise for a construction management firm.
The district is still working with the state on plans to transform the remainder of the campus, combining the college with a new junior/senior high school.
