Flagler wins city approval to construct new academic building

Flagler College has the go ahead to build a new academic building on the site of its current Communication Building after a marathon St. Augustine City Commission meeting Oct. 8.

The commission approved Flagler’s request in a 3-2 vote during a seven-hour meeting. The building will actually be three two-story interconnected buildings built in a style modeling the surrounding historic preservation district.

Building in that district, along with the look and size of the structure, became an issue with residents who argued that the college should not be allowed to build on the location.

Flagler’s plan is to build three 2,500-square-foot buildings with 9 classrooms, a screening room, a television studio, and 4 faculty offices. The building will be used by students majoring in communication.

The original plan was four buildings, all about 35 feet tall, with connecting walkways or covered sidewalks. After objections from residents, Flagler changed the height and design of the plans.

The current communication building is 4,200 square feet and holds a TV studio, WFCF 88.5 FM, the college’s student-run radio station, a classroom and editing studio and offices. That building will be torn down to construct the new complex.