As a student’s first official point of contact, and their administrative interface, the building was designed to affirm MSU’s long-standing position as a preeminent public university. The new building has an expressive form, with sweeping curved walls that reach out to embrace its surroundings and invite students into the dynamic campus, while its stone cladding links it to history and tradition. Topographically, the academic quad and the campus commons sit a story above the surrounding neighborhood.

To negotiate the grade separation, there are two connected main entrances: one at street-level and the other at the campus commons. A large, landscaped arrival court invites students and visitors towards the street-level entrance where grand stairs, both interior and exterior, mark a formal procession up to the campus commons level. Inside, the building features reception areas and service desks organized along a series of flowing, multi-story lounges with seating, study, and collaboration spaces.

A monumental stair with gently curved landings and a continuous wood soffit forms the connective tissue between the three levels of public lobbies and lounges, anchored by a student services counter. A landscaped terrace on the third floor affords panoramic views of the academic quad, centered on historic Holmes Hall. The iconic building embodies the university’s pride in its history, and optimism for the future.