Opening Celebration of the Eastside Campus - November 30, 2005
Good afternoon.
I know that many of you here today have worked hard to promote job growth, economic development and revitalization in east Gainesville. I’m sure that you are as pleased as I am to be here, at 2006 North “East” Waldo Road, for the opening celebration of the University of Florida Eastside Campus.
The university has been a part of east Gainesville for a long time through the Shands community health center and other facilities. But the Eastside Campus represents a seismic shift in our presence here. Until recently, this 12-acre site was a Florida Department of Transportation complex of offices, warehouses and research laboratories. Prior to that, in the late 1800s through 1920, it was a prison camp.
After so many years of being used by the Department of Transportation as a quasi-industrial facility, this land was an urban brownfield in need of rehabilitation when it came to us. What you see now is the beginning of a true renaissance: We are cleaning this site up and resurrecting it -- as a vibrant economic and employment center.
The Eastside Campus is not frivolously named. Like all campuses, it is comprehensive.
When we’re finished here, new and refurbished buildings will house the Bridges Program Division, the education, outreach and technology transfer offices of the College of Engineering, the Powell Materials and Structures Laboratory, and the Civil and Coastal Engineering Center for Infrastructure Protection and Physical Security.
All of that represents a UF investment of $7 million in east Gainesville. But our contribution goes beyond a one-time payout for bricks and mortar.
At least 234 UF staff members will work permanently at the Eastside Campus, mostly in high-tech, computing and accounting positions. Their average salary is $61,000 plus benefits.
The Eastside Campus is really a winning combination for UF and the Gainesville community. As an institution, locating employees here will ease traffic on our main campus and it will establish a presence closer to the Gainesville Regional Airport.
From the community’s perspective, the presence of so many university staffers – not to mention their visitors – can only help in the effort to support existing businesses and encourage new growth in east Gainesville. Of course, having this facility here will help ease traffic congestion on the west side of town.
No one is suggesting that this campus is the solution to all of the challenges that confront east Gainesville. Much remains to be done, and it will require the efforts of many throughout the community, including UF.
This opening celebration comes at an auspicious time. Earlier this fall, Wal-Mart announced plans to locate a super center just down the street at Waldo Road and NE 12th Avenue. Wal-Mart follows new businesses that have already proved they can prosper in this part of the city. If you don’t believe it, just try to get a table at the very popular Satchel’s Pizza on NE 23rd Avenue without waiting in line.
Wal-Mart, Satchels and others will join the existing successful businesses in east Gainesville, including Walgreens and McDonalds. Builders, meanwhile, have announced plans for new developments here. The momentum is building.
And as I speak to you right now, there are businesses interested in using space at the Eastside Campus.
When you combine the team effort from the University of Florida and the surrounding neighborhood and community, momentous things will occur. We are excited about the future and confident the campus will grow and prosper.
Bernie Machen