Excitement grows as new building complex rises.

Students returning to campus this fall had the pleasure of seeing the progress on what will be the new home of the College of Business Administration, still due to be completed September 18, 2007. New students got their first look at the rapidly changing structure.

“So far there is every indication that the target date will be met, God willing and if the creeks don’t rise,” said Fernando Irizarri, coordinator of the college’s facilities.

“Construction on our new five-building business school complex finally got underway in March, 2006,” said Executive Dean Joyce J. Elam, who along with Chapman School Dean José de la Torre, is investing time to make sure that events unfold smoothly. “Since that time, progress has been amazing. It’s exciting to come in each day and see more and more of the building taking shape.”

Here’s an overview of the status of the construction:

• all first floors have been poured
• most of the second floors are also poured
• the two case rooms on the first floors now have walls and ceilings
• the auditorium is more than half-way complete

This fall, a “topping off’ ceremony will mark the important construction milestone that indicates that all the roofs are topped off.

“The main entrance already is starting to show its statement of modernism with an unique and attractive prow form,” Irizarri said. “Upon entering, people will find themselves in the main lobby of Commons Hall, where they will encounter a wall of screens with images related to the college, Florida International University, Miami, and more. The screens will also be used for signage and information about events on campus. The college’s Technology Center, Media Services, and Communication, Publications, and Public Relations offices are working on the project.”

“Bizcam” brings real-time images to computers everywhere.

For those who aren’t able to see the daily construction progress in person, “Bizcam” offers the next best thing. This fascinating technology turns any computer into a window from which to watch the construction minute by minute.

Originally, Annabelle Rojas (MBA ’98, BBA ’87) director of external relations and resource development, had planned to document the progress of the construction with photographs taken weekly from the roof of the Ryder Building.

“We soon discovered that the route to the roof was not an easy one, requiring going through special doors and scaling a ladder-like fire escape situated within the building,” Rojas said. “In addition, permission and keys would be needed, making logistics time-consuming.”

With input from the college’s Technology Center, in particular from Director Manoel Oliveira, a more feasible idea began to take shape. The result was the installation of a solar-powered web cam—known as “Bizcam”—atop the Ryder Building.

Simply enter “bizcam.fiu.edu” in the browser of your choice and click the “login” button. Within a few seconds, a live view of the construction site appears. You do not need an ID or password.

“It’s a nice way for people to participate—to see how the effort and capital being put together to realize the dream of the Building for Business Campaign are being converted into reality,” Irizarri said. “It enables us to share our happiness at the fact that the building is being constructed, and it will give donors and other supporters the opportunity to see the progress we are making.”