A Peek Inside the Home that UF Gator Love Built

September 22, 2016  by Jane Chero in Community / Charitable Support, Industry   

“The Dasburg House is an expression of UF’s unique traditions and dynamic future, and our team was honored to be an integral part of its creation,” said Koenig, a UF MBA Outstanding Alumnus award winner. The home is a vision brought to life by “Gator” alumni led by John and Mary Lou Dasburg of Key Biscayne. The couple provided the $3.5 million donation for construction of the on-campus home.

Since graduating from the university in the 1970s, Koenig has built one of Florida’s and the nation’s top-selling retail furniture companies. His City Furniture team worked closely with interior designer Dianne Davant of Dianne Davant & Associates to create the gracious interior of the Dasburg House, which is both a private residence and an iconic place for alumni and guests of the university to gather.

Upscale furnishings from City Furniture’s showrooms, including pieces from the retailer’s Bernhardt collections, create an elegant yet warm environment.

“This was a deeply felt effort for the entire project team, knowing that the Dasburg House will be a jewel for the University for decades to come,” said Davant, whose emotional connection to UF is through her husband, attorney and former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives H. Lee Moffitt, who attended the school. “We approached the furnishings with a classic, timeless feel and a neutral palette, honoring the region’s natural beauty and keeping the focus on fabulous Florida-themed paintings alumni have so generously made available.”

Designed by Gainesville architecture firm Ponikvar Associates, and built by contractor CPPI, the energy efficient home built with sustainable materials achieved Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council in late 2015.