The Planning Board in Sarasota, Florida, has approved plans for a multimillion-dollar academic and event center at the Ringling College of Art and Design.
The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports that the college's Signature Academic Building will span 100,000 square feet over four stories and function as a hybrid welcome center, event space and hub for academic labs and faculty offices.
Construction will begin next year and is expected to be completed in 2027. The cost is estimated at $95 million.
The building will mark an official entry point to Ringling’s campus. Its modern design and clear glass windows will create an iconic image of the college. The building will offer labs and studio use for all students but focus on those specializing in technology: computer animation, virtual reality, game art, and entertainment design.
The center will also serve as a welcome center for prospective students and a gathering space for students, which the Ringling campus lacks.
To make room for the academic building, the college will demolish the Glen Fine Arts Building and the sculpture studio.
The planning board unanimously approved the site plan and praised Ringling’s efforts to add a unique, eye-catching design. Board Chair Dan Clermont said the building will not only benefit the Ringling community but also act as a landmark for out-of-town visitors.
The architect is Moody Nolan.
