AWC Receives an ABC Excellence in Construction Award for Jacksonville University College of Law
Auld & White Constructors was proud to be recognized with two awards at the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) Florida First Coast Chapter Excellence in Construction event on Friday, August 22, 2025. The annual awards dinner, held at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, welcomed more than 500 members and clients from the Northeast Florida building community.
Jacksonville University College of Law, 121 W Forsyth St, Jacksonville, FL
Eagle and Project of the Year Award Winner
As the first law school in downtown Jacksonville, the Jacksonville University College of Law represents a monumental leap forward for higher education in Northeast Florida. The project not only revived underutilized historic office space but also redefined what adaptive reuse means for educational facilities. Located in the heart of Jacksonville’s legal corridor and a three-minute walk from the Duval County Courthouse, this school builds on JU’s vision to provide students with convenient access to real-world legal settings. The project was executed under extreme logistical, structural, and coordination challenges, transforming four floors of two historic buildings (constructed in 1908 and its addition in the 1940s) into a modern academic facility. JU’s College of Law is now a flagship facility that reflects institutional ambition, design excellence, and construction ingenuity.
Architect: TTV Architects
MEP Engineer: H2Engineering
Furniture: Workscapes
Photography: Severine
UNDERSTANDING THE PROJECT
Spanning four floors in the former Atlantic National Bank Building, the scope required the transformation of outdated office spaces of this historic building into a modern academic environment suitable for law students and faculty. The project included lecture halls, breakout rooms, legal clinics, administrative offices, shared spaces, and a multi-story central atrium. The design prioritized flexibility, acoustic control, and a sophisticated aesthetic worthy of a professional law school environment. AWC performed the adaptive-reuse renovation in a fully occupied building, including active law offices and businesses throughout. This unique setting demanded precise coordination, tight scheduling, and real-time problem-solving.
PROJECT CHALLENGES
Working with Jacksonville University on their downtown College of Law facility was both a challenging and rewarding experience. This project presented unique obstacles that demanded innovative solutions and strategic planning, all of which showcased AWC’s commitment to excellence and safety. Below, we will highlight the most significant challenges among the numerous that were resolved.
Challenge #1 – Site Logistics
Downtown Jacksonville constraints like narrow streets, no laydown space, and undersized elevators made
material delivery a daily challenge, so the team developed a creative plan to keep work flowing without
disrupting tenants or traffic. Deliveries were tightly scheduled between 4:30 and 6:00 AM to avoid rush hour traffic, while red-bagged meters were reserved for short-term staging and dumpster access. Boom trucks lifted materials through upper-floor windows, including large items like sprinkler pipes, which would not fit through elevators. Removed window openings were repurposed for access, and all materials were installed upon arrival to minimize handling. A phase-based procurement strategy aligned deliveries with construction milestones, keeping floors clear and maintaining momentum while accommodating site limitations and space restrictions.
Challenge #2 – Building Structure and Respecting History
Working within the shell of a historic high-rise, joined with a mid-century annex, meant the team was constantly navigating structural surprises of working in two buildings with conflicting construction methodologies. One side of the building featured steel framing with terra cotta infill, while the other relied on plaster and concrete block, resulting in highly inconsistent wall and ceiling conditions. Anchoring finishes and routing overhead systems required a zone-by-zone approach, with each area assessed for substrate type, load-bearing limitations, and alignment issues. Floor-to-floor heights varied significantly, challenging the continuity of MEP runs and ceiling systems.
Before any installation, radar was used to locate hidden conduit paths and utilities buried deep in walls and slabs from previous renovations. These discoveries were carefully mapped and incorporated into as-built drawings for future facility management. One critical pivot occurred during structural demolition when concrete stairs originally marked for removal were discovered to be in excellent condition. Rather than waste time and budget demolishing and rebuilding it, the team worked with the structural engineer to preserve and reintegrate the stairs into the new design. This solution saved over $100,000 and allowed those funds to be redirected into upgraded architectural finishes that elevated the law school’s interior environment.
Matching the prestige of a modern law school, the design seamlessly blended contemporary academic functionality with the timeless character of the building’s historic structure. Rich wood paneling, custom-built casework, and refined finishes were selected not just for their appearance but for how they complemented original architectural elements. In key areas, historical materials and textures were left exposed or replicated to maintain authenticity, while modern interventions like integrated AV systems and acoustical treatments were carefully concealed within traditional forms. Finish mockups were reviewed collaboratively to ensure alignment with the architect’s vision and the building’s story. Skilled finish carpenters worked in tight zones, tailoring every detail to the unique contours and inconsistencies of the original construction. The result is a sophisticated, collegiate environment that honors the past while supporting the future of legal education.
Challenge #3 – Working in an Active, Occupied Building
Working in a fully occupied office building introduced constant noise and access limitations, which the team resolved by reshaping workflows around tenant comfort and daily operations. Demolition noise was contained with soundproofing blankets and monitored using real-time decibel tracking to adjust work timing. Loud activities were scheduled early before tenants arrived, and walkie-talkies eliminated the need for raised voices. Construction traffic was routed through a rear stairwell to avoid lobby disruption, while utility shutdowns were performed after hours to prevent service interruptions. The team maintained daily communication with key tenants, including The Jacksonville Daily Record, and adapted access plans to avoid conflicts while maximizing progress in active zones. Mechanical upgrades added complexity, especially when integrating new equipment into a partially historic HVAC system. The team collaborated with the building engineer to phase installations, verify airflow, and maintain consistent comfort. Legacy systems were preserved where possible, and new components were brought online gradually to avoid disruptions. Final balancing was completed in stages, allowing each floor to stabilize before moving to the next. These efforts reflected a disciplined and occupant-first mindset, allowing construction to move forward smoothly without compromising system performance or the tenant experience.
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Auld & White Constructors (AWC) is one of Northeast Florida’s leading construction firms. Headquartered in Jacksonville for nearly 40 years, AWC has built long-standing relationships by providing open communication, innovative ideas, and diverse construction solutions. With significant expertise in the commercial, healthcare, and public sectors, AWC helps our clients bridge the gap between dream and reality. As we continue to grow, AWC maintains a locally-focused philosophy to allow all of our employees to be at home at night. This is integral to AWC’s strong company culture and the foundation of its connected/collaborative team.