Florida A&M University (FAMU) sought to modernize a three-building complex serving the College of Education, Psychology Department, and General Studies Department. Originally built in 1968 and last renovated in 1988, the complex faced numerous issues, including life safety, accessibility, security deficiencies, and outdated mechanical and electrical systems.
The renovation began with a comprehensive programming study to assess the needs of the affected departments. The redesign improved circulation patterns within the buildings, enhancing wayfinding and increasing natural light in previously dark public corridors. Code deficiencies were addressed, and the building’s infrastructure was upgraded with new roofs, plumbing, air conditioning, and electrical systems.
Key updates included a complete renovation of classrooms, labs, conference rooms, offices, and meeting halls, as well as the remodeling and expansion of the restrooms. The complex now features advanced videoconferencing classrooms, computer labs, and Smart classrooms designed for collaborative and technology-rich learning.
The new Center for the Arts established a prominent “front door” for the Chipola College campus. Serving approximately 10,000 annual visitors, the performing arts facility caters to the cultural and artistic needs of students, residents, and community organizations.
The center features a 655-seat performance theater equipped with a fly loft and orchestra pit, as well as a 150-seat black box theater designed for intimate performances and recitals. For the convenience of performers, there are four dressing rooms with capacity for 40-60 people. The center also includes an art gallery, a spacious green room, a dance studio, a costume shop, and a two-story set design workshop. The lobby serves as a central gathering space for informal socializing and fundraising events, enhancing the community’s engagement with the arts. HLGstudio partnered on the interior design.
Among the COVID-19 related challenges faced by Phoebe Putney Hospital System was a lack of trained nurses to staff their regional facilities. The healthcare provider decided to team with Albany Technical College Nursing School to offset the high cost of hiring traveling contract nurses by creating this 40-million-dollar Living & Learning Center, located on hospital property across the street from the main hospital entrance.
The facility was designed as a three-story 122,000 GSF building on the site of the abandoned Lee County High School, which had served the community for over 50 years. On the first level is a 46,000 SF state-of-the-art nursing school with ample classroom space, lecture halls, and simulation labs for future nurses to gain work experience. This education program also includes administration, student lounges, and break-out study spaces. The second and third levels are designed to house 80 market-rate nurse dormitory apartments. The offerings include studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, in addition to communal lounge/study spaces.
This modern building complements the architecture of the hospital campus and is highlighted by a point cloud-recorded entry portal that recalls the original Colonial Revival style of the high school façade. The partnership between Albany Technical College and Phoebe Putney has spurred significant educational expansion, with a 37% year-to-date growth in student enrollment.
HLGstudio collaborated with DAG Architects to form the Atlanta-based design team. This project was completed as a design-build process led by Pelicano Construction. Albany Technical College is part of the state-funded TCSG program.
