UCR School of Business has outgrown its historic home at Anderson Hall, a 1917 Mission-style building initially built as the Citrus Experiment Station for state-funded agricultural research. The school has embarked on an ambitious journey to plan and design a new facility to meet the needs of a growing student body and faculty. On April 27, 2023, the school broke ground on the new building, which will sit across from Anderson Hall in what was formerly Parking Lot 8.
A Comprehensive Solution for Students and Faculty
The new building will provide a comprehensive solution for the school’s students, faculty, and staff. It will house the school’s programs, faculty, and classes, creating a business school complex to enhance collaboration, communication, and stakeholder engagement.
The building design adapts to changing uses and technology, with flexible spaces for indoor and outdoor in-person learning, studying, event, and meeting spaces and state-of-the-art technology for hybrid learning.
A Building Designed for Future Needs and Sustainable Operations
The new infrastructure is focused on meeting the school’s and its stakeholders’ future needs. It emphasizes sustainability and energy efficiency. The building is expected to be LEED-certified, with hallmarks such as solar panels, efficient lighting and HVAC systems, and water-saving fixtures.
It will also have flex spaces that can be easily adapted for different uses, allowing the school to more efficiently serve its students, support faculty research, and engage with business leaders and community members from across the region.
Key Features of the New Building
The 63,400-square-foot facility will have a large auditorium, two large, tiered classrooms, a computer/finance lab, a multipurpose room, and an adjacent airy lobby. It will also have a boardroom, multiple conference rooms, student study spaces, a teaching assistant group with meeting rooms, student lounges, and faculty offices. There will also be office suites for staff and administrators. The estimated cost of the new building is $87 million, with an expected opening in fall 2024.
A New Hub for Business and Community Engagement
The new building will be a hub for business and community engagement, providing a space for the school to connect with local businesses, organizations, and community members. The flexible spaces and state-of-the-art technology will allow the school to host numerous events, from guest speakers and workshops to conferences and symposia. The building’s design and location will create a more cohesive and integrated business school complex, enhancing community and collaboration among students, faculty, and staff.
Conclusion
The UCR School of Business’s new building is a significant step forward. It will provide a comprehensive solution for students, faculty, and staff, creating a hub for multiple businesses and community engagement. With a focus on sustainability, flexibility, and adaptability, the new building will help meet the school’s requirements and its stakeholders for years to come.
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