Dallas business leaders and insiders got a first look at UNT’s new Business Leadership Building during a reception at the Nasher Sculpture Center Sept. 24. The building, which will be located on the southwest corner of Avenue A and Highland Street, is designed to provide UNT’s more than 5,600 business majors with the highest level of academic instruction and professional training. Construction is expected to begin in December, and the building is slated for completion June 2011.

Designed by Polshek Partnership Architects, the building is being funded by $50 million in Legislature-approved revenue bonds and $20 million from corporate and private donations. The 180,000-square-foot facility will accommodate at least 8,000 students, compared to the current business building, which was intended to support fewer than 2,000 students. The new building will include an open atrium, an internet café and numerous study and tutoring rooms designed to develop a spirit of collaboration. UNT also plans for the building to achieve Gold LEED Certification. Environmentally friendly spaces include two green terraces and a green roof.

See additional renderings of the Business Leadership Building.