By: Editorial Staff The Poynter Institute announced yesterday plans to begin construction later this year on a $6.3 million expansion of its facilities in St. Petersburg, Fla.
The institute's decision to expand was due to growth in the curriculum, faculty, and students. James Naughton, president, attributes the buildup to "an increase in the receptivity of training" by journalists.
Since 1985, when the school moved into its current building designed by Jung/Brannen Associates of Boston, the staff has grown from 15 to 47 and its curriculum has increased to 64 courses, up from 23 in 1985.
Current demand for the facilities has also increased as journalism organizations take advantage of Nelson Poynter's vision of providing free facilities for events that further journalists' professionalism. Organizations that use the facilities include the National Writers Workshops, the American Society of Newspaper Editors, and the National Press Photographers Association.
Funding for the 26,000 square-foot addition, to be designed by Jung/Brannen, comes from the profits of the St. Petersburg Times, the daily newspaper owned by the institute. Nelson Poynter owned the newspaper and after his death, left the paper to the school to maintain local ownership.
"The new addition will be built with technological innovation in mind," Naughton says. "The building will be cabled to accommodate innovation in the news industry. Part of the addition will also accommodate a facility for further development of the Institute's Web site."
Presently, the plans for the new addition await approval from the city of St. Petersburg. Construction should begin sometime in October, Naughton says.
?(Editor & Publisher Web Site:http:www.mediainfo.com) [Caption]
?(copyright: Editor & Publisher May 8, 1999) [Caption]
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