Garage 44, known as the Fine Arts garage, will be partly closed March 13 & 14.

March 13 – the second, third and fourth floors will be cordoned off at Midnight. The floors will reopen at 9 p.m. March 14.

March 14 – the first floor will be closed from 5-9 p.m.

Director of Auxiliary Services Vince Smyth said these temporary changes are being made to accomodate special event patrons of a lecture hosted by the Mayo Clinic.

Around 1,300 guests are expected to attend Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr.’s lecture, “Finding Your Roots”, on March 14.

Smyth said the university usually closes the garage once a year for major events coming to campus – last year, it was the GOP primary debate hosted by CNN.

“We recognize that it’s an inconvenience for the community and apologize, but it’s also an opportunity.”

Smyth said events like these are rare and help bring people and recognition to campus, raising UNF’s standing in the region. He said these events may become more common as the university grows.

Email Lydia Moneir at news@unfspinnaker.com

Updated March 12, 10:18 a.m.