The University of Kansas has opened Capitol Federal Hall, a 166,500-square-foot facility that houses the business school.
The $70.5 million building on the Lawrence campus has 20 classrooms, a 350-seat auditorium and 25 collaborative spaces, the university says. Students will begin classes in the new hall next month. The university says the hall is the largest facility at KU to be funded through private support.
Business school faculty and staff will move to Capitol Federal from Summerfield Hall, which has served as the home of the School of Business for 56 years.
Officials say the new space is designed with an open concept, encouraging engagement and collaboration.
Atop the facility is a 7,000-square-foot green roof. The university says the roof is expected to reduce storm-water runoff by 60 to 80 percent; lower interior sound levels by as much as 40 decibels; improve air filtration; reduce greenhouse gases in the air through plant photosynthesis, and lengthen the life of the roof.
The architects are Gensler, along with GastingerWalker&. The contractor is J.E. Dunn Construction.
