The original building, named “University House,” opened its doors in June, 1974, with a square footage of 86,006. The facility housed food venues, a rathskellar, offices for administrative and student services, a bookstore, the game room and six meeting rooms.
1991
The major addition and renovation of 54,424 sq. ft. was completed in September, 1991, housing ballrooms, cafeteria, Gracie’s Grill, Faculty Club, game room, and Student Affairs Offices. On this date, the building was renamed in honor of the late Florida Senator Ernest R. Graham, father of Senator Bob Graham. Senator Ernest Graham introduced legislation to create a public university in South Florida.
1997
Another expansion of 67,320 sq. ft. was added in 1997 to house a food court, mini-mall and a classroom wing.
2004
A 32,753 sq. ft. North expansion built a two-story facility to house, on the ground floor, expanded offices for the GC administration, PantherCard, Kaplan Center and Computer Lab. The second floor accommodates offices for Student Government and Campus Life (Greeks, Volunteer Action Center, Leadership Center, Student Organizations, Student Programming Council, The Beacon student newspaper and WRGP student radio station.
2006
A new atrium opened its doors showcasing high ceilings and venues for Subway, Einstein Bagels and dining area.
Future
The Graham Center plays a vital role in the University’s vision to provide state-of-the-art multi-purpose facilities to showcase events organized by student organizations, academic units and departments. Therefore, the Graham Center’s Strategic Plan calls for a building addition to offer a second ballroom with a capacity of 2,000 persons for lecture presentations or 1,500 persons for sit-down banquets; 10 to 15 breakout meeting rooms and needed offices for Student Affairs. This proposed facility will remediate the capacity constraints of the present ballrooms, which accommodate only 900 persons for lectures and 550 for sit-down banquets. It will also address the insufficient space for meeting rooms. The proposed expansion site is to the northeast corner of the existing building; developing a corridor (mall) with retail spaces to connect the existing facility with the newly expanded wing. Architectural designs shall develop a “signature” main entrance to the building, with covered access from the main “Campus Drive” road. Presently, guests have difficulty in locating the G.C. ballrooms, as direct views from the main perimeter road are blocked by surrounding buildings and parking garages.
Graham Center
11200 SW 8th Street, GC 1215
Modesto A. Maidique Campus
Miami, FL 33199
(305) 348 - 2297 Map / Directions
Building Hours - Fall/Spring
Mon - Fri: 6am - 2am
Sat - Sun: 7am - 12am
Building Hours - Summer
Mon - Fri: 6am - 11pm
Sat - Sun: 7am - 10pm
For more hours of operation click here.
Questions and comments? Email us at gc@fiu.edu
