Board of Visitors approves design of New Business Building
Virginia Tech’s vision for a next generation, collaborative education hub at the intersection of business, technology, and analytics is a step closer to reality.
On Tuesday, the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors approved the design review and authorized the construction of the New Business Building, the second academic building in the Global Business and Analytics Complex, marking a significant milestone in Pamplin College of Business’s relocation and expansion.
Designed to meet the demands of a growing student and faculty population, the 92,000-square-foot structure will connect to the western end of the Data and Decision Sciences Building’s multi-story commons area and will provide spaces for experiential learning, industry collaboration, and interdisciplinary research. Featuring the Apex Center for Entrepreneurs, the Hokie Hospitality Lab, student learning accelerator, and cutting-edge collaboration zones, the building will serve as a dynamic hub for talent, innovation, and business education in an increasingly data-driven world.
“Solving today’s most complex challenges requires a multi- and transdisciplinary approach — one that seamlessly integrates technological innovation with a business mindset to ensure scalability, sustainability, and ethical responsibility,” said Pamplin Dean Saonee Sarker. “We are committed to fostering these connections, preparing our students to lead in an ever-evolving global landscape.”
Enhancing cross-disciplinary collaboration
Expanding on the momentum in the Data and Decision Sciences Building, the New Business Building will provide modern educational spaces to leverage synergistic opportunities across disciplines, including data analytics and integrated security.
“The New Business Building is a transformative addition to Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus, furthering the vision of the Global Business and Analytics Complex,” said Travis Jessee, assistant vice president for design and construction. “By connecting directly to the Data and Decision Sciences Building, this facility will provide more modern, dynamic spaces for Hokies to learn and work in.”
Since its completion in 2023, the Data and Decision Sciences building has provided a space for students from various colleges, including the College of Engineering, College of Science, and the Pamplin College of Business, to solve complex problems that require collaboration across disciplines.
Recent successes include Marriott International’s CodeFest, which invited students from all majors to the Data and Decision Sciences Building to compete in a hospitality focused tourism technology competition. Another example is a master’s degree in data science that will begin this fall, and the use of the large visualization screen to help students collaborate in real time on big data problems.
Last fall, a U.S. National Science Foundation grant helped establish the Virginia Tech-led Center for Community Empowering Pandemic Prediction and Prevention from Atoms to Societies to bring computer science, infectious disease, engineering, and the arts together to predict and prevent global pandemics. The center is headquartered in the Data and Decision Sciences Building, where collaborators have access to high-tech labs and data centers.
Designed for modern learning
The New Business Building will be developed in the collegiate gothic expression, utilizing a pallet of materials used in a manner consistent with the Blacksburg campus’ architectural style, including Hokie Stone with precast trim and details such as punched window openings and opportunities for heraldry. A pathway along the west side of the building near West Campus Drive will provide accessible access to the building and its south plaza.
The $71 million construction project is currently in the working drawings phase and ground is expected to be broken on the building this fall. It is anticipated the facility will be open for classes by the start of the fall 2027 semester
“The design of the New Business Building reflects Virginia Tech’s commitment to both tradition and innovation,” said Liza Morris, assistant vice president for planning and university architect. “The building handsomely fulfills our vision for a striking entry sequence into the North Academic District. Once completed, it will seamlessly integrate into the Blacksburg campus and provide state-of-the-art spaces for experiential learning, collaboration, and industry engagement.”
With support from the Division of Facilities, the New Business Building was designed by Moseley Architects in partnership with RAMSA and will be built by Kjellstrom + Lee as the construction manager at risk.