A bold vision is taking shape in Tallahassee, driven by collaboration, innovation, and community. Led by Ajax Building Company, the Florida State University Academic Health Center is set to transform healthcare and medical research in North Florida. This cutting-edge facility will serve as a regional hub for clinical care, education, and innovation—marking a new era for FSU, the Tallahassee community, and beyond.
A NEW CHAPTER
At its core, this project combines academic expertise with healthcare delivery, enhancing both medical education and patient care. By combining academic expertise with healthcare delivery, the venture enhances both medical education and patient care. For FSU, it significantly expands its research and clinical capabilities, potentially strengthening future accreditation efforts and bolstering its standing in medical education.
“This is a huge project for the region,” says Tyler Gautier, operations manager at Ajax Building Company. “Not only will it elevate healthcare services in the community, but it will also boost FSU’s research capabilities, particularly in the health sciences.”
PROJECT DETAILS
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Size: 137,400sf
Client: Florida State University
Sector: Healthcare
Completion: September 2026
BUILDING WITH PURPOSE
Since breaking ground in September 2024, the four-story, 137,400sf structure has been designed with sustainability and function in mind. Outfitted with advanced systems, including wet and dry labs, simulation clinics, fire protection, mechanical, telecom, and audiovisual infrastructure, the building also incorporates distributed antenna systems to ensure seamless connectivity.
LEED Certified, the facility features a curtain wall integrated with sunshades, metal panels, and cementitious materials for durability and environmental performance. “We approached this project with a future-focused mindset,” says Annalisa Warner, Ajax project manager. “It’s not just about meeting today’s standards—it’s about anticipating tomorrow’s needs in healthcare infrastructure and building accordingly.”
Situated on an 11.75-acre site, the project also includes 327 parking spaces, access roads, stormwater drainage systems, bioswales, landscaping, and a nature walkway. Offsite improvements include utility extensions and road construction.
Construction is progressing in three strategic phases:
- Civil site development and infrastructure
- Structural foundations and superstructure
- Final building work based on completed design documents
WOMEN LEADING THE CHARGE
Women drive this project at every level—from project management to field operations. But the strength of this team doesn’t stop there. This project is the result of seamless collaboration between Ajax’s project leaders and a broader group of dedicated professionals, including the HOK design team, marketing, business development, and preconstruction staff.
The ownership team, led by FSU Chief of Construction Sadie Greiner and TMH Director of Construction Katie Hill, brings critical leadership and vision to the table—both of whom are women setting the tone for excellence.
For the women leading the charge, the focus isn’t on being different—it’s on delivering results.
“There’s been a lot of attention given to the fact that I’m the first female superintendent many people have encountered here,” says Ajax senior superintendent Stephanie Walker. “But at the end of the day, it’s about how you approach the work and getting the job done.”
Both Walker and Warner emphasize that the respect they’ve earned isn’t because of their gender, but because of their work ethic and attention to detail.
“It’s rare in this region to see a female superintendent. People notice, but once they see the work, the respect follows,” says Walker.
NAVIGATING THE ELEMENTS
Weather has proven one of the project’s biggest challenges as hurricanes, snow and record rainfall have impacted operations.
According to Warner, just as the project team received approval to move forward, a hurricane was rapidly making its way through Louisiana. Unfortunately, the team also encountered Hurricanes Helene and Milton, just a month later, causing further disruptions and additional unexpected challenges.
“We also experienced snow and ice, something that’s quite rare in Tallahassee—it brought everything to a halt for a week, and the city was caught off guard. There were no plows or salt available, resulting in some disarray.”
The team had to compete with the aftermath of these storms, including dewatering the site.
“We’ve had 27 inches of rain so far, and when you’re building a foundation, that much water is a real issue,” Walker adds. “But through it all, we’ve managed to stay on track, thanks to the hard work of the entire team.”
EYES ON THE NEXT MILESTONE
Despite weather-related setbacks and delays, momentum continues and the team remains optimistic and focused on the road ahead.
“We’re on schedule, and we’re all committed to making this project a success,” Gautier shares. “There’s a lot of pride in what we’re doing here, and it’s not just about the building. It’s about what it will mean for the community.”
Beyond topping out, civil work and building “dry-in” (when the structure is fully enclosed) remain high priorities. Nevertheless, the focus is clear: progress is steady, and the team is pushing forward.