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

  • UCNJ Launches $30M Modernization of Physical Education Center

    The Union College of Union County (UCNJ) in Cranford, N.J., recently broke ground on a new $30-million modernization project for its Physical Education Center (PECK), according to a news release. The college partnered with DIGroup Architecture for the project’s design, transitioning the existing 42,000-square-foot structure into a campus hub for student athletics and campus life.

  • Image credit: O

    Strategic Campus Assessment: Moving Beyond Reactive Maintenance in Educational Facilities

    While campuses may appear stable on the surface, building systems naturally evolve over time, and proactive assessment can identify developing issues before they become expensive emergencies. The question isn't whether aging educational facilities need attention. It's how institutions can transition from costly reactive maintenance to strategic asset management in a way that protects both budgets and communities.

  • Construction Begins on East Austin CTE-Focused High School

    The Del Valle Independent School District recently announced that construction has begun on a new CTE-focused high school in Austin, Texas, according to a news release. Del Valle High School will measure in at 473,338 square feet and have the capacity for 2,400 students.

  • UNT Dallas Holds Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for $100M STEM Building

    The University of North Texas at Dallas in Dallas, Texas, recently celebrated the opening of its new, $100-million STEM Building, according to local news. The ceremony on Dec. 2 preceded the first day of classes in the facility on Jan. 12, 2026.

Digital Edition