Two architectural firms are closing in on a final design for the UF College of Veterinarian Medicine's new hospital for small animals.
Although the college will keep its existing hospital intact with a few improvements, the new building will offer several new features for veterinarians, students, clients and animals.
Sarah Carey, spokeswoman for the college, said UF has needed a new veterinary hospital for years.
"We haven't substantially changed our building since we opened our doors," Carey said. The hospital opened in 1978.
The college raised about $4 million in donations before it received permission from the Florida Legislature to proceed with designs for the $58 million, 90,000-sqare-foot building, she said.
Although she said raising enough money was the biggest hurdle, the college reached its funding goal in fall 2007. The state will match the donations to the college, she said.
The two architectural firms have designed a sustainable building that will include expansive windows to allow for natural sunlight, according to a news release.
"Natural sunlight is expected to facilitate the healing," Carey said.
The new hospital will include an emergency clinic and areas for physical therapy and surgeries, the release states.
Glen Hoffsis, dean of the college, said the hospital would help accommodate growing needs for animal care, attract qualified specialists from around the world and expand student enrollment in the college.
