Nova Southeastern University, College of Law

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Firm

Gallo Herbert Architects

Client

Nova Southeastern University

Area

133,050 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$4,606,670

Completion Date

12/2016

Design team:
William J. Gallo (Principal-in-Charge), Brian P. Herbert (Project Architect), Tom Mongello (Project Manager), Alain Dezii (Project Designer)

The Shepard Broad College of Law at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is a program with a pioneering approach to the combination of academics and clinical experiences. The program has obtained a reputation for innovative teaching and a 21st-century curriculum. Graduates have been able to launch highly successful careers within a competitive legal marketplace. The program is accredited by the American Bar Association.
The original building was constructed in 1991 and has served the program well for 25 years. However, as the program has earned a reputation for innovation and clinical practices, the building was not supporting the curriculum as efficiently as it should. Therefore, the university decided to renovate and re-purpose the building in an effort to have it physically portray the program. An additional benefit of the upgrade was to “harden” the building to be hurricane resistant and conform with South Florida high-velocity wind building codes.
The scope of work included removing the severely deteriorated roof of the original Atrium Commons and replacing it with a clerestory hurricane-resistant glazing structure; wrapping the former frame and stucco ribbon windows with an impact-resistant structurally glazed curtain wall; systematically renovating all of the student service areas; renovating the three-story library; creating a new and enlarged Law Clinic and Research Center; revamping the atrium commons and adding a “grab & go” venue called the Supreme Court Café.
An addition was created to house faculty offices and tiered floor classrooms, the entire exterior was refinished, and new landscaping was installed. Today, the building is a living expression of the program and is in alignment with the objectives of the program.