Virginia Tech to Start Construction on New College of Engineering

Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., recently announced that it has selected global construction and development firm Skanska to build a new 285,500-square-foot facility for the College of Engineering, according to a news release. Mitchell Hall will stand five stories and take the place of the existing Randolph Hall, which is scheduled for demolition in spring 2024. After completion, Mitchell Hall will increase gross square footage by 70 percent within the same footprint and be the largest building on campus.


Rendering courtesy of Skanska

Construction will work around the university’s existing stability wind tunnel, one of the largest of its kind in the country. The building’s exterior will feature a mix of glass, precast concrete, and Hokie Stone. The interior will feature amenities like a 200-person, arena-style lecture hall, academic and administrative space, a flex research lab, and workspaces. The building will also play home to multiple departments within the College of Engineering.

“This project underscores our commitment to delivering cutting-edge academic facilities that inspire innovation and collaboration,” said Mark Balling, executive vice president with Skanska. “We have worked on many other projects at the university, and we are delighted to continue our partnership as we execute this transformative vision for engineering education.”

Construction has an estimated completion date of spring 2028, the news release reports.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Montclair State University Starts Construction on $120M STEM Building

    Montclair State University in Montclair, N.J., recently broke ground on a new $120-million Interdisciplinary Science Building, according to university news. The university partnered with HoK Architects for the project’s design, and it’s scheduled to open in time for the 2028–29 academic year.

  • University of Washington Opens New Broadcast Studio

    The University of Washington in Seattle, Wash., recently announced the opening of Sundodger Studios, a new broadcast, production, and content facility, according to a news release. The university partnered with Anthony James Partners for the design and development of the studio, which will host about 100 live broadcasts and 120 live videoboard shows per year.

  • DLR Group Hires Three for Higher Education Practice

    Integrated design firm DLR Group recently announced that it has brought three new hires on board to help shape its higher education practice in California and the northeast, according to a press release.

  • Fargo, N.D., Starts Construction on Consolidated Elementary School

    Fargo Public Schools in Fargo, N.D., recently announced the beginning of construction on a new elementary school, according to a news release. The district partnered with ICON Architectural Group and Kraus-Anderson Construction on the new Horace Mann Elementary School.