Construction of the E.J. Ourso College of Business Education Complex has run smoothly in the past two semesters and should be open for classes in fall 2012, said Tim Rodrigue, assistant director of alumni and external relations for the College of Business.
The 156,000-square-foot complex will consolidate business classes on campus and put the University’s business program on the same level as many others in the U.S., Rodrigue told The Daily Reveille on Aug, 24, 2010.
“Right now, our students take classes in maybe 10 different buildings on campus, so this will get us closer together as a college,” Rodrigue said.
The complex will house all core undergraduate and graduate business classes as well as a commons area, 300-seat auditorium, dining areas and a quadrangle.
Emmett David, director of Facility Development, told The Daily Reveille on Aug. 24 that the complex was one of the biggest construction projects in the University’s history, and, at the time, construction slated to end December 2011 was ahead of schedule.
Construction costs had not exceeded the $40 million construction budget as of January 2011, David told The Daily Reveille on Jan. 17.
The entire College of Business will move to the new complex beginning March 2012, David said, and the College of Engineering will take over Patrick F. Taylor Hall.
Karen Deville, College of Business senior director of advancement, told The Daily Reveille more than $6 million was needed to reach the $30 million goal and match that same amount given by the state government in a public-private partnership.
“We continue to meet with donors and tell our story,” Deville said.
Rodrigue said construction is still on schedule as the College of Business continues toward the $30 million goal.
The “Mike the Builder” blog on the College of Business’ website is constantly updated for anyone interested in construction progress, he said, and has documented recent milestones including the installation of many glass walls.
 
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Contact Brian Sibille at [email protected]