USF Crosley Campus Center

Originally conceived as a block project, the owner decided to convert the project to Tilt-Up because of the economy, speed of construction as well as the flexibility in design and architecture that the Tilt-Up method provides.

The facility has several unique elements that create a visually appealing structure. Architectural features such as complex curved panels were used to create a dramatic rotunda entry. In order to complete this, the Tilt-Up subcontractor worked closely with the design team and was able to carefully cast the panels on-site in curved casting beds. In addition to challenging architectural features, the project also had an aggressive schedule and a restricted site. To remedy these challenges, casting slabs were reused and multiple panel erections were performed.

The site is located along a wooded waterfront area that was home to several precious natural resources and endangered species. Team members were asked to work around at least a dozen pine trees that were located in the center of the construction site, as well as several gopher turtles that officials had to carefully remove and relocate to a nearby site.

To complement the existing facilities on the campus, the building features a Mediterranean color scheme and incorporates a variety of building heights, towers, reveals, recesses and other architectural details such as complex curved panels, radius tops, covered walkways and clay tiled rooftops.

The 100,000-square-foot state-of-the-art academic facility will house 24 classrooms, a 190-seat lecture/exhibition hall, seminar and video-conferencing rooms, computer labs, a childcare center, student gathering places, faculty and staff offices, a technology and learning center, dining facilities, as well as training facilities for the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management. The Campus Center will offer approximately 800 courses annually to students in 39 academic programs.