A Peek Inside the Home that UF Gator Love Built.

Furniture World News Desk on 9/23/2016

A fanciful oil painting of iconic fan “Mr. 2-Bits” by artist and former UF linebacker and FOX Sports football commentator James Bates, sets a cozy mood for relaxing in the Dasburg House’s media room. Furniture is from City Furniture’s Bernhardt collections. Wool geometric area rug is by Stark Carpet; lamps by Currie and Company.


City Furniture recently reported the donation of all furnishings for the University of Florida’s (UF) new Dasburg House. As an active UF “Gator” alumnus, President Keith Koenig views the stately 7,440-square-foot home as far more than the official residence for the school’s president.

“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.

UF President Dr. W. Kent Fuchs and his wife Linda moved into Dasburg House in 2015, and the home’s art and décor were recently completed. The university has received gifts of art, and alumni and friends have also lent the university signature pieces from their collections. The University’s Harn Museum of Art also has provided pieces on loan.

Upscale furnishings from City Furniture’s showrooms, including pieces from the retailer’s Bernhardt collections, create an elegant yet warm environment. Custom pieces such as the Bernhardt dining room table for 14 round out the design. Subtle touches of the school’s signature orange and blue make visiting alumni feel right at home. The first floor’s airy, open areas are ideal when entertaining alumni and guests of the university, while the second floor provides private living spaces for Dr. and Mrs. Fuchs.

“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.

“The Dasburgs’ leadership created this terrific project and inspired a great group of alumni and friends to get involved,” said Koenig. “Gator love for UF runs deep. It’s wonderful to know the home will be an important part of campus life for many years to come,” he added.