Watson-Fine Administration Buildings
1949
In 1949, another complex was finished on Florida Southern College's campus adjacent to Johnson Avenue. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the two buildings were named the Emile E. Watson and Benjamin Fine Administration Buildings. Emile E. Watson was an actuary who was a pioneer in workmen's compensation amongst other accomplishments. After he gave the commencement address in 1949, Dr. Spivey dedicated one of the new administration buildings to Watson in light of his accomplishments. Benjamin Fine was a Pulitzer Prize winning education journalist for The New York Times. He was awarded a plaque from Florida Southern for his "meritorious service in behalf of American education" as part of the Founders Week celebrations in 1949. Since their completion, the buildings have remained offices for administration. The president's office, co-designed by Dr. Spivey, is still housed in the Watson building. A unique design feature of the Watson-Fine complex is a large pole with lights on it jutting out from the north end of the building, and it serves as a beacon for that side of campus. While the original pole rusted and fell in the 1960s, it was later replaced in the 1980s.
Light Pole