Founders Project: An Old Friend Gets a New Look
Oct. 20, 2010
The Founders Building houses classrooms, laboratories and offices for faculty in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
UT Dallas Dedications Center is a New Space for Exploring the Sciences One-Stop Shop: The Student Services Building |
An extensive renovation project has transformed UT Dallas’ first campus building, Founders, adding versatility and visual appeal.
The building’s east entrance is now a glass atrium rising three floors, designed to complement the new Student Services Building to the south and Science Learning Center to the west.
Inside, space was added and reconfigured for new classrooms and offices, and a computer lab is open to students on the ground floor. Seating areas throughout the building allow for comfortable study sessions and small group gatherings.
The Founders Building houses advising and administrative offices for undergraduate education, classrooms, and offices for faculty and teaching assistants in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. The building first opened in early 1964. Some faculty members recall when it was the only physical representation of the institution that eventually became UT Dallas.
“There were cotton and wheat fields adjacent to Campbell Road, and on the 40 acres that were set aside for campus,” said Dr. Brian Tinsley, a professor in the Physics Department. “The eastern half of the building was finished first, and it was impressive as it stood alone at the end of the long entrance road.”
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Founders Renovation at a Glance Budget: $27.7 million Construction: Began April 2009; completed summer 2010; occupied summer 2010 Area: Three levels; 109,700 gross square feet Architect: SmithGroup/F&S Partners Contractor: Turner Construction Co. |
The Founders modifications have added a number of common areas, including a spacious atrium inside the building's new glass entrance.
The Founders Building opened in 1964 to house the research institution that became UT Dallas five years later.
