CRESTVIEW FLORIDA COULD BECOME A COLLEGE TOWN

As you will read below, the new FAMU Pharmacy School is moving forward and excitement is in the air for further growth of higher education options in Crestview. Along with this initiative and talks of a Dental School by FAMU, growth of Troy University, NW Florida State College, University of West Florida in Crestview, Crestview will continue to be a choice for many to call home.

Plans progressing on FAMU pharmacy school
Renovation of the Alatex building should begin in June or July, according to school representatives
By BRIAN HUGHES
Florida Freedom Newspapers
CRESTVIEW — City leaders recently got a glimpse of the future of the historic Alatex building. Officials from Florida A&M University shared updated floor plans for the 1930s landmark’s reincarnation as the local campus of FAMU’s pharmacy school. The school’s interim dean, Marlon Honeywell, reviewed the plans with Crestview Mayor David Cadle. He repeated the school’s commitment to maintaining the historic character of the building, which is an anchor for the city’s designated National Commercial Historic District. “The architects from FAMU are coming to town soon to meet with the Crestview Historical Society to receive any input they have to preserve the historic aspects of the Alatex building,” Cadle said. According to the plans, the building’s large windows will help provide light for classrooms, teaching laboratories, a working “model” pharmacy, administrative offices and a medical library. A large skylight also will illuminate a floor-to-ceiling entrance atrium. Behind a Plexiglas railing on the second floor, students and faculty can gaze down to the lobby. “It’s going to be very, very bright inside,” Cadle said. Honeywell provided a tentative timeline for the renovation in an email to city and university officials. Planning and soil inspections are under way, according to the email. The school hopes to review design developments Friday and 50 percent of the working drawings should be completed by April 1. FAMU hopes to begin construction in June or July. The work should be completed in May 2012 and the first class will be admitted that fall. “We look forward to moving into our new home,” Honeywell said in the email. “We are also hopeful that our new neighbors will be there to celebrate with us as we move in.” At last week’s City Council meeting, Cadle said FAMU soon will look for office space for administrators who will arrive before the renovation is complete. Cadle said FAMU is also considering adding a dental school to the facility in the future.