A new Student Success Building will serve as the heart of the newly designed University of Louisville’s J.B. Speed School of Engineering. The 115,000-sf structure will greatly increase lab space and consolidate student services to one location.
Currently admissions counselors, academic counselors, tutors, student success coordinators, co-op counselors, and other support teams are located on different floors and in multiple buildings. The plan groups all the support teams into a single connected office suite. A central help desk at the main entrance will assist students to receive the most appropriate support services. Shared collaborative spaces will facilitate regular meetings among the different teams, and shared office support will streamline internal operations.
The new university building will serve as a valuable “home base” for students, especially during their first year. It will house classes, provide access to tutoring, enable meetings with academic and co-op counselors, host student success seminars, offer study spaces and meeting rooms for student groups, and feature an informal recreational area.
![Maker space at University of Louisville's J.B. Speed School of Engineering Student Success Building. Rendering courtesy SmithGroup](/sites/default/files/inline-images/University%20of%20Louisville%20J.B.%20Speed%20School%20of%20Engineering%20Student%20Success%20Building%2C%20rendering%20courtesy%20SmithGroup%20%20Interior_makerspace.jpg)
An engineering garage space will serve as a hub for hands-on learning and competition team activities. This area will provide ample room for students to work on projects, build prototypes, and conduct experiments. It will be equipped with specialized tools, machinery, and materials to support various engineering disciplines. The garage space will not only enhance students’ technical skills but also promote teamwork, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities. Engineering students will have the opportunity to participate in competitions, where they can apply their knowledge, learn from their peers, and showcase their innovations.
The second and third floors will house lab space for the university’s Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research, where researchers will study solar power, green fuels, and materials. Construction is underway, with an expected completion date of summer 2025.
Owner and/or developer: University of Louisville
Design architect: SmithGroup
Architect of record: Luckett & Farley
MEP engineer: Luckett & Farley
Structural engineer: SmithGroup
General contractor/construction manager: Whittenberg Construction
![University of Louisville's J.B. Speed School of Engineering Student Success Building. Rendering courtesy SmithGroup](/sites/default/files/inline-images/University%20of%20Louisville%20J.B.%20Speed%20School%20of%20Engineering%20Student%20Success%20Building%2C%20rendering%20courtesy%20SmithGroup%20%20collabSpace.jpg)
![University of Louisville's J.B. Speed School of Engineering Student Success Building. Rendering courtesy SmithGroup](/sites/default/files/inline-images/University%20of%20Louisville%20J.B.%20Speed%20School%20of%20Engineering%20Student%20Success%20Building%2C%20rendering%20courtesy%20SmithGroup%20%20firstFloorHallway.jpg)
![University of Louisville's J.B. Speed School of Engineering Student Success Building. Rendering courtesy SmithGroup](/sites/default/files/inline-images/University%20of%20Louisville%20J.B.%20Speed%20School%20of%20Engineering%20Student%20Success%20Building%2C%20rendering%20courtesy%20SmithGroup%20AerialView.jpg)
![University of Louisville's J.B. Speed School of Engineering Student Success Building. Rendering courtesy SmithGroup](/sites/default/files/inline-images/University%20of%20Louisville%20J.B.%20Speed%20School%20of%20Engineering%20Student%20Success%20Building%2C%20rendering%20courtesy%20SmithGroup%20classroom.jpg)
![University of Louisville's J.B. Speed School of Engineering Student Success Building. Rendering courtesy SmithGroup](/sites/default/files/inline-images/University%20of%20Louisville%20J.B.%20Speed%20School%20of%20Engineering%20Student%20Success%20Building%2C%20rendering%20courtesy%20SmithGroup%20exterior1.jpg)
![University of Louisville's J.B. Speed School of Engineering Student Success Building. Rendering courtesy SmithGroup](/sites/default/files/inline-images/University%20of%20Louisville%20J.B.%20Speed%20School%20of%20Engineering%20Student%20Success%20Building%2C%20rendering%20courtesy%20SmithGroup%20exterior2.jpg)
Related Stories
University Buildings | Mar 27, 2019
Veterans Resource Center at Cypress College breaks ground
Sundt Construction is building the project.
University Buildings | Mar 26, 2019
The Bill & Melinda Gates Center for Computer Science & Engineering opens on the University of Washington campus
LMN Architects designed the facility.
Mixed-Use | Feb 21, 2019
An R&D-oriented innovation district is taking shape in the heart of Durham, N.C.
Its buildout has included converting old tobacco warehouses into offices and labs.
University Buildings | Feb 1, 2019
University of Miami design/build program receives new immersive-learning facility
Professor Rocco Ceo designed the studio space.
University Buildings | Jan 29, 2019
The Colorado School of Mines CoorsTek Center opens
Bohlin Cywinski Jackson designed the building.
University Buildings | Dec 17, 2018
SCUP and University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing release study results on lactation policy and facilities in U.S. higher education
There is a wide variability between how campuses accommodate the needs of breastfeeding mothers.
University Buildings | Dec 12, 2018
New Life Science Building at University of Washington designed for the next generation of research and teaching
Perkins+Will designed the facility.
University Buildings | Dec 10, 2018
Suffolk breaks ground on large housing/dining complex for UMass Dartmouth
This is the first phase of a large construction/renovation plan for the school’s main campus.
University Buildings | Nov 26, 2018
Vacant Dartmouth College building to become faculty and graduate student center
Leers Weinzapfel Associates designed the project.
Mixed-Use | Oct 25, 2018
Philadelphia’s uCity Square kicks off major expansion drive
This innovation center has several office, lab, and residential buildings in the works.