Maria Britos/ Contributing Writer
FIU has been constantly evolving throughout the years, however, there is one building that has prevailed all these changes due to its historical value.
When the University was built in 1969, the only building that was left untouched was the air traffic tower of control. Belonging to the former Tamiami Airport, the Ivory Tower is now a monument of history at the University.
After the University Police Department transferred to the Market Station building, there were speculations about whether or not the Tower should be removed from campus.
As a result, the University began plans to restore the Tower to house the the Veterans Affair office.
“I had some input in it,” said Michael Pischner, director of the Veteran Affairs office, explaining how the plans to renovate the building started.
The main renovators included the University’s project managers and at times, Pischner. He said that the initial plans were made about two years ago, but only recently has the University taken action and began remodeling.
The new office is said to be a getaway place for the veteran students. There will be a kitchen, a day room, a computer lab along with two conference rooms and other commodities to make the veteran students feel more comfortable.
“The real emphasis is getting the building going so when the veterans come in, they’ll have a real nice place to go,” Pischner said.
The office is also expecting more veteran students to enroll as the program grows and moves to its new location.
By the end of March, the construction will be done, however, there is no set date to move in.
“We still have no idea when we’re moving in, but we’re getting closer,” Pischner said. “We plan on having a real nice grand opening.”
The Tower, on the other hand, will have complete restricted entrance, but will be used primarily for storage.
