Westcott Building
Encyclopedia
The James D. Westcott Building is a historic building on the campus of Florida State University
in Tallahassee
, Florida. The Westcott Building currently houses the chief administrative offices for Florida State University and is the primary focal point of the campus as seen down College Ave. The building is also home to Ruby Diamond Auditorium. It is known for its distinctive appearance.
in remembrance of the former Florida Supreme Court justice who left a large part of his estate to what was then the West Florida Seminary in 1887.
In April 1969, much of the interior of the building was destroyed by a fire. Renovations of the interior of the building were completed in 1973 and were able to preserve the historic collegiate gothic exterior that the building is known for.
Originally built in 1911 to serve as the main auditorium for the university, it was torn down in 1951 after developing a settling crack and was rebuilt in 1954. In 1971 the auditorium was named in honor of a generous benefactor to the university and a graduate of the Florida State College for Women.
Renovations on Ruby Diamond Auditorium began In April 2008 Ruby Diamond began renovations which were to include a new, expanded, lobby area and the expansion and remodeling of the northwestern wing of the auditorium. The Renovations were finished in October 2010 and Ruby Diamond was officially opened with a concert on October 8th, 2010. Total cost for the renovations was approximately $35 million.
Actual improvements on the auditorium are an increase in the size of the lobby bringing it to 11,000 square feet and increased facilities including ticket vendors and restrooms. The renovations on the auditorium also include increased seating capacity to 1,260, improved lighting, improved sound, and aesthetic changes in the auditorium proper. A rehearsal room was added behind the performance stage to allow for a simultaneous warm-up while another ensemble performs.
Florida State University
The Florida State University is a space-grant and sea-grant public university located in Tallahassee, Florida, United States. It is a comprehensive doctoral research university with medical programs and significant research activity as determined by the Carnegie Foundation...
in Tallahassee
Tallahassee, Florida
Tallahassee is the capital of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat and only incorporated municipality in Leon County, and is the 128th largest city in the United States. Tallahassee became the capital of Florida, then the Florida Territory, in 1824. In 2010, the population recorded by...
, Florida. The Westcott Building currently houses the chief administrative offices for Florida State University and is the primary focal point of the campus as seen down College Ave. The building is also home to Ruby Diamond Auditorium. It is known for its distinctive appearance.
History
The building was built in 1910 to serve as the Florida State College's administration building by which it was known until 1936. In that year the building was renamed the James D. Westcott, Jr. Memorial Building by then university president Edward ConradiEdward Conradi
Edward Conradi served as President of Florida State College for Women from 1909 to 1941, and as President Emeritus from 1941 until his death in 1944....
in remembrance of the former Florida Supreme Court justice who left a large part of his estate to what was then the West Florida Seminary in 1887.
In April 1969, much of the interior of the building was destroyed by a fire. Renovations of the interior of the building were completed in 1973 and were able to preserve the historic collegiate gothic exterior that the building is known for.
Ruby Diamond Auditorium
Ruby Diamond Auditorium is the primary performance venue for Florida State University and is located on the first floor of the Westcott building.Originally built in 1911 to serve as the main auditorium for the university, it was torn down in 1951 after developing a settling crack and was rebuilt in 1954. In 1971 the auditorium was named in honor of a generous benefactor to the university and a graduate of the Florida State College for Women.
Renovations on Ruby Diamond Auditorium began In April 2008 Ruby Diamond began renovations which were to include a new, expanded, lobby area and the expansion and remodeling of the northwestern wing of the auditorium. The Renovations were finished in October 2010 and Ruby Diamond was officially opened with a concert on October 8th, 2010. Total cost for the renovations was approximately $35 million.
Actual improvements on the auditorium are an increase in the size of the lobby bringing it to 11,000 square feet and increased facilities including ticket vendors and restrooms. The renovations on the auditorium also include increased seating capacity to 1,260, improved lighting, improved sound, and aesthetic changes in the auditorium proper. A rehearsal room was added behind the performance stage to allow for a simultaneous warm-up while another ensemble performs.
See also
- Florida State UniversityFlorida State UniversityThe Florida State University is a space-grant and sea-grant public university located in Tallahassee, Florida, United States. It is a comprehensive doctoral research university with medical programs and significant research activity as determined by the Carnegie Foundation...
- James Diament Westcott, Jr.James Westcott, Jr.James Diament Westcott, Jr. was a Florida Supreme Court Justice, Florida Attorney General, and a member of the Florida House of Representatives....