The Texas Tech University System leaders held a ceremonial groundbreaking today (Feb. 24, 2016) for the System Office Building that will serve as the new home for TTU System leadership staff and personnel.
“We have been saying for some time that we are now a mature system,” Chancellor Robert L. Duncan said. “Having our leadership team in the same building will make us more efficient and free up critical space on the Texas Tech University campus for student services, academics and research.”
The approximately 80,000-gross-square-foot, three-story structure is located at the intersection of Texas Tech Parkway and the Marsha Sharp Freeway. Construction began in mid-October. Completion is expected by the first quarter of 2017.
“This is an important date in the history of the Texas Tech University System,” said Mickey Long, chairman of the Board of Regents. “For the first time, we will have dedicated space for our board and for system leadership.”
The new office building will include a multipurpose room for Board of Regents meetings and other events as well as public art in the main entry lobby. It also will house core TTU System functions such as Facilities Planning and Construction, Institutional Advancement, Financial Services, Audit Services, General Counsel, Governmental Relations, Academic Affairs and Communications and Marketing. Regents approved the project in May 2014.
“The new System Office Building embodies the traditional spirit and vernacular of the Texas Tech University Spanish Renaissance design style,” said Michael Molina, vice chancellor for facilities planning and construction, “and also contains leading-edge technology through architectural detailing, components, materials and systems integration.”
Duncan said it is the perfect time for the TTU System to take this step.
“As the system has grown, these core functions have been located in a handful of buildings on and off the Texas Tech University campus,” Duncan said. “Bringing our leadership team together will allow us to communicate better, collaborate better and continue to move the Texas Tech University System forward in concert with our member institutions.”
(Press release from Texas Tech University)