PROJECT INFORMATION:
Project: University of Florida – Whitney Center for Marine Studies
Location: Marineland, Florida
Owner: University of Florida
Construction Cost: $3.4 Million
Project Size: 17,000 SF
Completion: December 2006

The Center for Marine Studies (CMS) opened its doors in March 2007 and is situated on the campus of the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Biosciences at Marineland. The CMS was constructed on the shores of the Intracoastal Waterway on an occupied research and education center.

The two-story building features a large, 1,440 square foot reception hall on the first floor (Lastinger Family Foundation Interactive Area) which overlooks the Intracoastal and is a two-story atrium space. Also located on the first floor is a 272-seat auditorium. The Lohman Auditorium is equipped with state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment and is used for education and outreach programs.

The building also features several laboratories and classrooms, including the Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson Biotechnology Lab on the second floor. The fully equipped teaching lab is over 1,200 square feet and as with most spaces in the CMS, has a uninterrupted view of the Intracoastal.