Polk State celebrates completion of Winter Haven Fine Arts Building renovations with ribbon cutting

Posted on by Polk Newsroom

More than 400 people took in the soothing sounds and wondrous new sights of Polk State College’s Winter Haven Fine Arts Building (WFA) during a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, to commemorate the project’s completion.

The state-of-the-art upgrades will expand the quality of programming and meet the growing technological needs of students, faculty, performers, and the many community members who patronize the College’s performances and exhibitions that take place in WFA.

“This ribbon cutting marks more than just the reopening of a renovated building—it represents a powerful and meaningful investment in the future of our students, our community, and world-class art education and entertainment for Polk County,” said Cindy Hartley Ross, Chair of the Polk State District Board of Trustees. “In today’s rapidly changing world, it is essential that we continue to provide access to high-quality higher education and workforce training. This investment in infrastructure—whether it is state-of-the-art classrooms, cutting-edge technology, or first-rate performance and exhibition spaces—ensures that our students have the resources they need to thrive artistically and professionally.”

Entertainment for the formal grand opening, also the second public celebration of Polk State’s 60th anniversary, included renowned R&B group Uptown and Polk State Professor of Humanities Ben Pila, the only classical guitarist to be named a presidential scholar in the arts.

“What’s happening here today is a testament to us, to all the people who have been involved in trying to bring the best facility this side of heaven to little old Winter Haven and to Polk County,” Winter Haven Mayor Nat Birdsong remarked. “It has been achieved. This is a glorious, newly renovated facility and it’s going to serve us well for generations to come.”

First opened in 1978, the 65,000-square-foot facility was reconstructed through a collaborative effort between Polk State faculty, staff, and administrators, as well as engineers, architects, and construction crews. The renovation project was led by Rowe Architects, with AD Morgan Corporation and DuCon serving as the construction managers.

“Collaboration is the truth of architecture,” added Rick Rowe, Principal for Rowe Architects. “No single person or vision could have brought this remarkable building back to life like this. Architecture is not just about buildings—it’s about people, relationships, and a shared commitment to creating something greater than the sum of its parts.”

The renovations were possible thanks to a $16.2 million allocation of the Florida State Legislature in Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) funds in 2021.

“Today marks the culmination of years of planning, hard work, and collaboration,” Polk State President Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti exclaimed. “…with our College submitting this project to be considered for Public Education Capital Outlay funding since 2008—marking 13 years of requests. Our students and community will now reap the benefits of this longstanding priority of our College, and for that, I am grateful.”

Enhancements include a new roof and bricks to the exterior, a new heating and air conditioning system, as well as upgrades to the band and music rooms, practice rooms, dressing areas, gallery, theatre, and many of the classrooms for Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts students.

“The arts are not only a vital expression of culture, but also an essential element in preparing students for success,” shared Dr. Martha Santiago, Polk County Commissioner and former Polk State DBOT member, Dean of Academic Affairs, and later Provost for the Winter Haven Campus. “Polk State has long been committed to fostering talent, cultivating creativity, and providing students with the skills to thrive in both artistic careers and the broader workforce.”

 

 

Construction began in May 2023, with the building closing in phases to lessen potential impacts on classes, students, and employees. The building officially reopened on schedule for the Spring 2025 Semester.

“It is an amazing transformation that, along the way, was infused with additional thoughts and ideas,” exclaimed Rebecca Smith, President of the AD Morgan Corporation. “Every dynamic and every movement was just an amazing process to watch. The collaboration is represented at every turn, every detail, every addition, everything we built.”

Among the enhancements is the Winter Haven Fine Arts Gallery. Through February 21, members of the College and greater community can experience the inaugural exhibit titled “Canvas of Community: Celebrating Visual Artists” with work displayed by local artists including Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, Gustavo Ortiz, Dr. Juan Rivera, Dr. Michele McClendon, Yovanis Gonzalez, and Alison LaMons. The exhibit also features work from Polk State faculty members, including Sarah Brewington Baarns, Andrew Coombs, and Holly Scoggins.

“This will be the place where students like me will make their dreams come true, where challenges will be overcome, where students will learn from their mistakes, and where passions will be expanded into realities.”

Kevin Ramirez
Music Student

“The arts are not only a creative outlet,” Falconetti continued. “They are a transformative force that cultivates critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation—essential skills that empower individuals to excel in any field, fostering a community where imagination and adaptability drive progress across all sectors of the workforce.”

The final speaker prior to the cutting of the ribbon was Music student Kevin Ramirez who is on track to graduate with his Associate in Arts degree in May. He explained how the College helped him overcome challenges such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and struggles in his studies early on. He also noted how the enhanced space will benefit students like himself.

“The first time I was in the arts building here at Polk State, I felt like this was the place I belonged,” Ramirez contended. “I was here during the whole renovation process—from the demolition to the rebuild. In my remaining time here, I will enjoy being part of the new classrooms, new instruments, and equipment. Even the atmosphere of the building feels different—clearer and more welcoming. This will be the place where students like me will make their dreams come true, where challenges will be overcome, where students will learn from their mistakes, and where passions will be expanded into realities.”