UC Riverside’s School of Business proudly unveiled its new building in late September, marking a significant milestone in accommodating its rapidly increasing student enrollment.
The four-story structure, spanning 63,400 square feet, has already become a hive of activity since classes commenced on September 26. Students have been engaging in lectures, utilizing classrooms, and relaxing in the lounge area adjacent to the on-site café. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and an open house celebration are scheduled for October 18.
The $87 million facility, which began construction in April 2023, is pivotal to the school’s strategy for expanding its faculty and student body. Dean Yunzeng Wang emphasized that the modern infrastructure promotes community engagement and strengthens connections with business leaders.
“It’s very exciting,” remarked Wang, admiring his new office, which features a miniature model of the building. “It’s beautiful.”
This new facility is designed to be a central hub where students can learn, socialize, and network with peers and industry professionals. It houses classrooms, administrative offices, and a spacious auditorium, facilitating a comprehensive educational experience.
Previously, the school’s administrative functions were conducted in Anderson Hall, constructed in 1917, alongside Olmsted Hall. However, the limitations of these older buildings often forced classes to be held in various locations across campus.
The new building, strategically situated on the campus’s south side next to Anderson Hall, enhances accessibility and connectivity. Improvements to the surrounding area include landscaping, outdoor benches, and tables, fostering a neighborhood-like atmosphere.
“Everything is here for the students,” noted Kathleen Drake, assistant dean for marketing and communications. “The goal was for them to feel more connected to the school.”
Among its standout features is a 350-seat auditorium equipped with advanced technology, including two 192-inch LED wall monitors and a whiteboard. This space is set to host large classes, lectures, and a variety of events.
The building also includes two 80-seat classrooms, outfitted with hybrid learning technology that supports multimedia presentations. The tiered design allows for flexible student interaction, with seating that enables students to engage with one another.
“The facility by design really gives that whole vibe of an encouraging, welcoming, and inviting environment to students,” said Sabine Freij, assistant dean of graduate programs. “Every corner of the building and every floor has open collaboration spaces for students and faculty to connect and develop ideas.”
Administrators, staff, and faculty transitioned into the new building in early September, quickly adapting to its modern amenities.
The architecture features locally sourced red brick, known as UCR Brick, complemented by concrete columns and large glass windows fitted with perforated metal fins to minimize glare and heat gain. The design includes a second-floor overhang that shades an outdoor plaza, while the executive boardroom on the fourth floor provides breathtaking views of the campus and surrounding mountains.
“The view is phenomenal,” stated Frank Salhab, project manager with McCarthy Building Companies, the firm responsible for construction and design. “It gives you a feeling like you’re floating over the campus.”
Upon entering, visitors are welcomed by an airy lobby featuring comfortable seating and a small coffee shop named Biz Café. Adjacent to this space is a 2,278-square-foot multipurpose room furnished with lounge areas for studying or socializing. The café was added late in the construction phase to meet the demand for dining options in that part of the campus.
A stairwell adorned with donor names leads to a computer and finance lab on the second floor, equipped with an LED stock market ticker visible from both inside and outside. This lab can accommodate up to 78 students and includes computer monitors that rise from the desks, allowing for individual or group work. Students have access to vital business news and market data through Bloomberg terminals, which support academic projects and investment club activities.
Study areas are strategically distributed throughout the building, including a dedicated graduate student lounge featuring lockers and kitchen facilities.
The building’s roof is equipped with a 216-kilowatt solar array, achieving LEED Platinum status and adhering to the highest standards of energy efficiency and sustainability. The solar panels began generating energy for the campus electrical grid several months ago.
Miguel Aranda, assistant dean and director of undergraduate programs, described the new building as “futuristic but grounded.”
“This is something special,” he asserted. “It will inspire students by providing them the technology and space they need.”
Freij noted that the facility is designed to support educational initiatives beyond the classroom. It can host industry panels, seminars with visiting researchers, and student competitions—whether in-person or virtual. Ample locker space allows students to store business attire for interviews or special events.
“We’re finally able to provide this for our students and meet their needs with modern technology, aligning with the standards of other leading business schools,” Freij said. “We’re providing the resources and facilities necessary to support students in their education and career aspirations.”
The building’s design integrates seamlessly with the campus’s sloped topography, featuring an open courtyard that offers hillside views. Landscaped areas include seating walls, creating a mini-amphitheater for gatherings.
“The new School of Business building will be the defining first step toward establishing a unique district on this part of the campus, enhancing its appeal and setting the stage for future responsible development,” said Jacqueline Norman, campus architect.
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