McGuire Center at the University of Florida

Brief Overview

The McGuire Center is a 40,000SF addition to Powell Hall which houses the Florida Museum of Natural History. The McGuire Center includes a butterfly Vivarium, museum space with video projection screens on a “Wall of Wings,” display space for over 95% of the known Lepidoptera species, and visible lab space and 2nd largest collection of butterflies, and the largest animal chromosome research sample group in the world.

This project presented several challenges for the Skanska team including developing consolidated site utilities with a chilled water plant expansion and stormwater master plan.  Another challenge lies in the integration of multiple exhibit designers and exhibit construction specialists. And finally, completing the construction within an occupied campus environment, while maintaining the historical and architectural integrity of the UF campus.

Client Testimonial
“During design and construction, the Skanska team kept the meticulous records necessary for the LEED application process and assembled all of the documentation from the Architects, Engineers, and University, along with their own records for submittal to the U.S. Green Building Council. In my opinion, without the invaluable help and daily attention of the Skanska USA team in the environmentally friendly construction of the McGuire Center, we would not have achieved the LEED certification on the final building”

Dr. Thomas Emmel, Director
UF McGuire Center for Lepidoptera & Biodiversity Florida Natural Museum of Natural History