At 40,000-square-foot and two-stories, the historic Alatex building stands prominently at the heart of Crestview, Fla. Now, it’s well on its way to bearing FAMU’s seal.
One year ago, state Sen. Durell Peaden (R-Crestview) secured $2.5 million for FAMU to establish an extension campus of its College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in the Northwest Florida town. The city council voted to transfer the Alatex facility to FAMU in order to house the program.
Peaden is smiling big after receiving some good news from FAMU officials this month.
“I understand the environmental survey was done and everything was OK,” he said. “The (FAMU) lawyers called me about the title and insurance and all those things needed to do the transfer. When they get that done, they can start work. They’re on the move and ready to go.”
The survey’s positive outcome means that the former factory does not have any structural or health hazards that need to be fixed before FAMU signs the ownership papers.
The brick building was constructed in 1937. At first, it was home to the Smith-Johnson garment company and the local City Hall. Smith-Johnson left after a couple of years and was replaced by the Alatex Textile Company, which remained until the 1980s. Then, Rainbow Apparel moved in and ran the facility until the mid-1990s.
Peaden believes that with FAMU in charge, the Alatex building’s best days are ahead of it.
“I think it’ll be a vital part of downtown Crestview,” he said. “In all my time in Crestview, I’ve never seen the community come together to support something so strongly.”
Last year, an online poll in the Crestview Bulletin newspaper showed that 91 percent of Crestview residents favored the council’s decision to transfer the Alatex building to FAMU. 71 percent were strongly in favor. Only 1 percent were against.
One year ago, state Sen. Durell Peaden (R-Crestview) secured $2.5 million for FAMU to establish an extension campus of its College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in the Northwest Florida town. The city council voted to transfer the Alatex facility to FAMU in order to house the program.
Peaden is smiling big after receiving some good news from FAMU officials this month.
“I understand the environmental survey was done and everything was OK,” he said. “The (FAMU) lawyers called me about the title and insurance and all those things needed to do the transfer. When they get that done, they can start work. They’re on the move and ready to go.”
The survey’s positive outcome means that the former factory does not have any structural or health hazards that need to be fixed before FAMU signs the ownership papers.
The brick building was constructed in 1937. At first, it was home to the Smith-Johnson garment company and the local City Hall. Smith-Johnson left after a couple of years and was replaced by the Alatex Textile Company, which remained until the 1980s. Then, Rainbow Apparel moved in and ran the facility until the mid-1990s.
Peaden believes that with FAMU in charge, the Alatex building’s best days are ahead of it.
“I think it’ll be a vital part of downtown Crestview,” he said. “In all my time in Crestview, I’ve never seen the community come together to support something so strongly.”
Last year, an online poll in the Crestview Bulletin newspaper showed that 91 percent of Crestview residents favored the council’s decision to transfer the Alatex building to FAMU. 71 percent were strongly in favor. Only 1 percent were against.
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WAY TO GO DR. LEWIS.
ReplyDeleteLet's Go!
ReplyDeleteGood news. This will definitely help with accreditation...right ?!?!?
ReplyDeletePharmacy's accredition is fine. Lewis and the faculty got the school off probation. That's old news.
ReplyDeleteTurning the page and moving on...
ReplyDeleteUp and onward!!
Kudos to the entire School of Pharmacy!! The Dean, faculty, staff, students and alumni...I'm proud of you!!!