Progress on FSU’s Legacy Hall Construction

News Summary

Florida State University is nearing 70% completion on the Legacy Hall project, a $160 million facility set to enhance its College of Business. Despite facing challenges from severe weather, construction remains on track for a 2025 completion. The support from state funding and private donations reflects the community’s investment in the university’s future. Once finished, Legacy Hall will serve as the largest academic space on the campus, marking a significant step in FSU’s educational evolution.

Progress on FSU’s Legacy Hall Construction in Tallahassee

Exciting times are ahead for Florida State University (FSU) as the construction of the much-anticipated Legacy Hall project is now nearing a whopping 70% completion. With the aim of transforming the educational landscape at FSU, the project is on track to finish by August 30, 2025. This ambitious venture comes with a hefty price tag of $160 million, but the university community is buzzing with anticipation.

Weathering the Storms

It’s not been smooth sailing for the construction team, as they’ve faced significant challenges, including severe storms. The area was hit hard by weather events like EF-2 tornadoes and hurricanes, necessitating repairs to interior drywall and even causing the onsite crane to be dismantled not once, but twice! Thanks to the proactive measures taken by the hardworking construction team, many of these troubles were managed effectively, allowing the project to continue moving forward.

A Vision Comes to Life

Legacy Hall is set to be more than just a building; it’s envisioned as a world-class facility for the College of Business. This facility will stand tall as the largest academic space on FSU’s extended campus, situated at the bustling intersection of West Gaines Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The project took a significant leap forward when construction broke ground in October 2022, marking the beginning of a long-awaited dream for the university and its stakeholders.

The Journey Thus Far

Though it may feel like their dreams have taken a while to materialize, the seeds for Legacy Hall were sown back in 2013. Initially aimed to be a $65 million campaign with a target ground-breaking in fall 2016, funding delays pushed the timeline back repeatedly. Eventually, the groundbreaking took place in 2022, with the budget soaring from an initial estimate of at least $130 million to the current total of $160 million.

Funding and Community Support

State support has been instrumental in reaching this impressive milestone, with the project receiving a commendable $44 million from state budgets, which includes a substantial $30.5 million allocation approved by the state’s governor in the 2021-2022 fiscal year. Legacy Hall stands tall on the 2024-2025 capital projects list, being the second-most expensive project after recent improvements to Doak Campbell Stadium.

The local community hasn’t shied away from lending a helping hand either. Approximately 200 private donors contributed to this monumental project as of mid-December, showcasing the strong network of support surrounding FSU.

Looking Ahead

As the construction proceeds, major building systems are scheduled to kick off in late January 2025, marking yet another milestone in this grand endeavor. Students can look forward to attending classes in Legacy Hall starting in January 2026, solidifying its role in shaping the future of business education at FSU.

As it stands, Dean of the College of Business Michael Hartline has expressed palpable excitement about the project, reflecting on the collaborative effort that has brought this vision closer to reality. The hard work of college, university officials, alumni, and donors has truly paid off, paving the way for a vibrant future for students at Florida State University.