The new facilities mark the first phase of a capital improvementprogram with a price tag of well over $100 million. When the10-year plan is complete, the State University of New York schoolwill have added 300,000 of new space and renovate another 400,000sf. The expansion will shore up a 258,000-sf shortfall at thenationally known fashion training ground.

"Construction of new buildings, along with expansion andrenovation of existing facilities, will allow the college tocontinue to grow and respond to the needs of the college communityand the industries it serves," says Dr. Joyce F. Brown, presidentof FIT. "Modernization of our existing facilities will continue tokeep our students in the forefront, prepared for careers in theindustry."

Phase I is starting with simultaneous construction of two newbuildings designed by the architectural firm of Kevin Hom &Andrew Goldman PC. The total cost of the two buildings will be $19million, with half of the funds provided by New York State and theother half equally divided between the City of New York and privatedonors. The entire Phase I plan is budgeted at $50 million.