On November 18th, Florida Polytechnic University celebrated a transformative milestone with the ribbon cutting of the Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center—a state-of-the-art, $15-million academic facility and the latest addition to the university’s thriving campus. VHB provided civil engineering and landscape architecture services for the significant campus educational facility.
The new Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center features advanced research and development labs for multiple engineering disciplines, faculty and staff offices, flexible collaboration spaces, and a conference room—all tailored to foster innovation and drive student success. Spanning 40,000 square feet, this cutting-edge building is designed to elevate Florida Polytechnic University’s in-demand engineering programs, further positioning the institution as a leader in STEM education and innovation.
In addition to Florida Poly leaders and state and local community officials, VHBers Cameron Langerman, Director of Land Development, and Ivy Clinton, Project Manager and Design Studio Lead, were joined by project partners DLR Group and CPPI in attendance for the ribbon cutting.
“The completion of this visionary project is a bit of a full circle moment for our team,” said Ivy. “It’s gratifying to know that the new facility will support Florida Polytechnic University’s students and its future engineers, while tangibly contributing to the growth and continued sustainability of the engineering industry.”
The ceremony also commemorated the collaborative spirit and sustainable design that brought the Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center to life. VHB contributed paving and grading design, in addition to planning and design for the building’s utilities, stormwater system, and ADA accessibility. The team worked on this project while actively pursuing and gaining Green Globe Certification through the Green Building Initiative, an organization dedicated to reducing climate impacts by improving the built environment. The certification demonstrates leadership in creating spaces that prioritize environmental stewardship, occupant well-being, and long-term resilience.
“VHB is proud to continue to have a broad impact and partner with our local colleges and universities to plan, design, and create places where their students, researchers, and faculty can thrive,” said Tyler Johnson, Southeast Regional Institutional Lead. “Achieving this milestone is more than just a campus enhancement; it is also a testament to our commitment to meeting the needs of tomorrow’s engineers.”
Similar sentiments were echoed across the event and reflected the excitement of the attendees, all gathered to celebrate the building’s long-term academic impact and the enhanced opportunities it brings to students and the community.
Learn more about how VHB is supporting higher education growth and development across the U.S.
