Planned CASS site might move from McGuinn Diamond Hall to Gaither Gym parking lot

On Friday, the FAMU Board of Trustees (BOT) Budget, Finance, and Facilities Committee will consider a proposal to change the site of the new Center for Access and Student Success (CASS) Building from McGuinn Diamond Hall to a Wahnish Way parking next the Jake Gaither Gymnasium.

The “analysis/overview” section of an action item request prepared by the administration stated that the modification would produce “a net decrease in cost of approximately $208,000.” It said that one big reason for this is that FAMU would avoid the costs associated with demolishing the McGuinn Diamond.

“With no additional building or structural demolition requirements and a flat site, the site preparation costs will be substantially reduced,” the document said.

The total cost of the CASS will be $39,355,000. The Florida Legislature has already provided $12,655,000.

According to the action item request: “The FAMU Center for Access and Student Success (CASS) is designed to be a multipurpose building serving as a one-stop shop for programs like recruitment, admissions, financial aid and enrollment management.  This building will also house registrar, scholarship office, counseling services and the Center for Disability Access and Resources.”