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

  • Zurn Elkay Releases 2025 Sustainability Report

    Zurn Elkay Water Solutions recently announced the release of its annual sustainability report, according to a news release. The 2025 report discusses the organization’s efforts to maintain good environmental stewardship and the solutions provided in helping customers meet sustainability goals.

  • Spaces4Learning Trends & Predictions for Educational Facilities in 2026: Part I

    We asked, you answered, and the results are in! Last year, we put out a call for submissions to collect our readership’s opinion on trends and predictions for K–12 and higher education facilities in 2026.

  • blurry image capturing students navigating crowded hallways between classes

    How Human Behavior Data Is Reshaping Campus Facilities Management

    The ebb and flow of students, faculty, and administrators across a campus have a larger impact on maintenance, cleaning, and sustainability than many realize.

  • Photo credit: Elkus Manfredi Architects

    University of Virginia Selects Design-Build Team for New Residential Complex

    The University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va., recently announced that it has selected a design-build team for a new upper-class residential development on campus, according to a news release. Capstone Development Partners—in partnership with Elkus Manfredi Architects and the Hoar Construction/Hourigan construction team—will move forward with the three-building, 310,000-square-foot housing facility.