Campus Construction Update: What’s New, What’s Next?

The term “unprecedented” aptly characterizes the scope and momentum of campus construction over the past year. Georgia Tech is undertaking a series of transformative projects, including the development of a premier athletics performance center, the installation and completion of a dedicated cycle track, the construction of a new residence hall, and the elevation of a state-of-the-art academic facility. Each initiative represents a strategic investment in the Institute’s infrastructure and reflects Georgia Tech’s enduring commitment to fostering an optimal environment for scholarship, innovation, and community engagement. 

Recently Completed 

Aerospace Engineering Aircraft Hangar (Aircraft Prototyping Laboratory) 
Situated in the North Avenue Research Area, Georgia Tech’s cutting-edge 10,000-square-foot aircraft hangar is set to become a hub for innovation in electric aviation. The facility will feature an electric powertrain laboratory, a propulsion system test cell, an avionics lab, composite fabrication zones, and dedicated space for integrating prototype aircraft. 

A key focus of the hangar will be the development and testing of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, along with other advanced electric aviation technologies — positioning Georgia Tech at the forefront of sustainable aerospace research. Read more here. 

Ferst Drive Realignment and Cycle Track   
A grand opening celebration and critical swarm bike and micromobility ride took place Aug. 13 during Week of Welcome. More than 100 students, faculty, and staff participated in a vibrant celebration for the culmination of this long-awaited campus infrastructure project. Read more here. 

Harrison Square Infrastructure Improvements for Campus Chilled Water System  
In July 2024, a pipe failure 20 feet beneath Harrison Square disrupted the campus chilled water distribution system, cutting off air conditioning to numerous buildings. Following extensive repairs and infrastructure upgrades, the system is now fully restored — more efficient, resilient, and better equipped to support campus cooling needs. These improvements mark a significant step forward in ensuring reliable climate control for Georgia Tech’s built environment. 

Soon to Wrap Up 

D.M. Smith Building Renewal  
Renovations are progressing steadily on the building, with transformative upgrades underway to enhance accessibility, functionality, and sustainability. Key infrastructure improvements include the addition of wheelchair access, a new elevator, and updated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Inside, finishes such as millwork, tile, and paint are actively being installed, while exterior enhancements include brick repointing, window replacements, and structural repairs. 

In alignment with Georgia Tech’s campus climate goals, the building is being electrified and will no longer rely on steam from the central plant for daily operations — marking a significant step toward campus carbon reduction. Renovations are on track for completion this fall, with a dedication ceremony planned for Nov. 13. 

In Progress  

Artificial Intelligence Manufacturing Pilot Facility 
The Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility (AMPF), part of the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute, serves as a cutting-edge research and development hub. As a translational research facility, AMPF bridges the gap between laboratory-scale innovations and pilot-scale industrial applications, accelerating the deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies. 

Building on this foundation, the Artificial Intelligence Manufacturing Pilot Facility (AIMPF) represents the next evolution in the program. This new phase will integrate artificial intelligence, robotics, and augmented reality to design, test, and refine the next generation of manufacturing systems and processes. As a cornerstone of the Georgia AI Manufacturing Technology Corridor, AIMPF will drive innovation and talent development across all manufacturing sectors. 

Currently, structural steel framing and utility infrastructure for AIMPF have been completed. The installation of partitions and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems is in progress. Read more here. 

Curran Street Residence Hall   
The first new residence hall on campus since 2005 is designed specifically for first-year students. Located on the west side of campus along Northside Drive between Eighth and Ninth Streets, this state-of-the-art facility will span 191,000 square feet and offer 862 beds in double-occupancy rooms. Each room will feature flexible furniture layouts to accommodate individual preferences and needs. 

In addition to living spaces, the building will include collaborative learning areas, community lounges, and shared kitchens to foster connection and support among students. Both tower structures are complete with roofing and systems installation in progress. The residence hall remains on track to open for the Fall 2026 semester. Read more here. 

East Campus Streetscapes  
Along Techwood Drive and the east side of campus, the renovation of sidewalks and roadways has improved campus connectivity and the safety of pedestrian and micromobility users (bicycles, scooters, and skateboards). The project remains active as the remaining elements along Techwood Drive are contingent upon the completion of the Thomas A. Fanning Student-Athlete Performance Center. 

Li Labs – Paper Tricentennial Building  
Renovation of eight labs located on the first and fifth floors will prepare for a high-end microscope which uses open-beam lasers for illumination on a vibration isolation table. Accommodating both students and researchers in the School of Materials Science and Engineering, the labs will be used for the study of intelligent soft materials involving living organisms. Expected completion is first quarter 2026. 

Thomas A. Fanning Student-Athlete Performance Center  
Work continues on the new 100,000-square-foot facility, which will house a comprehensive range of amenities including strength and conditioning areas, nutrition stations, sports medicine offices, ticketing services, dining options, and academic support spaces. The building will also feature cutting-edge sports science and analytics labs designed to enhance performance and research capabilities. 

Interior progress includes ongoing framing and installation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. On the exterior, brickwork is advancing steadily, and glass installation is currently underway. 

Please note: The southbound lane of Techwood Drive adjacent to the construction site will remain closed through the project’s anticipated completion in 2026. Read more here.  

Tech Square Phase 3   
Now proudly bearing two Georgia Tech logos, the high-rise towers in Tech Square have officially topped out. Interior work is well underway as this transformative addition to campus takes shape. Spanning 415,000 square feet, the development features two striking towers connected by a vibrant plaza and street-level retail space. 

The 14-story Scheller Tower will serve as the new home for the MBA and Executive Education programs of the Scheller College of Business. It is named in honor of Roberta and Ernest Scheller Jr., IM 1952, HON Ph.D. 2013, in recognition of their generous philanthropic support. 

The 18-story George Tower, named for Penny and Bill George, IE 1964, HON Ph.D. 2008, will house the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, reinforcing Georgia Tech’s leadership in innovation and education. 

Occupancy on the lower three levels is anticipated in early 2026, marking a major milestone in the continued evolution of Tech Square as a hub for academic excellence and industry collaboration. Read more here.  

On the Horizon 

Baptist Collegiate Ministry Building 
While not a Georgia Tech-owned project, this new 5-story mixed-use building is set to rise in the footprint of the original building on the west side of Techwood Drive near Fourth Street. The development will provide upgraded ministry facilities along with 55 one- and two-bedroom student residences and gathering and retail space. Construction is planned to begin in the fall with a targeted completion date of fall 2027. 

Campus Recreation Center Athletic Therapy Center and Esports Arena  
Currently in the design phase, the renovation of a section on Level 2 of the Campus Recreation Center (CRC) will transform an existing conference room and retail dining area into a dedicated physical therapy space, enhancing services for students and other CRC clients. Adjacent to this, a new esports suite will support competitive gaming for student clubs, casual play for the campus community, and host special events. The project is close to design completion and is estimated to open in early 2026. 

Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering 
A new 200,000-gross-square-foot building for the School of Aerospace Engineering will provide advanced instructional space, new research capabilities, and an improved student experience.  

Specialty research and fabrication space will include a multistory drop tower for microgravity research; high bay space for new modernized wind tunnels; indoor flight laboratory and state-of-the-art flight simulators; clean room and secure mission control center for satellite assembly and operations; high bay shop space for advanced computer-aided design, manufacturing, and milling functions, as well as dedicated fabrication and assembly areas for student-led research and competition work. 

Smith and Howell Residence Halls  
With the goal of preserving their historic character, both residence halls will be renovated to meet projected housing needs. Current plans are to update building systems and interior spaces. A new connecting structure will join the two buildings, creating a central entry point. In addition to refreshed finishes, new lighting, and improved amenities, restroom privacy will be enhanced by implementing a modified communal restroom model. Also planned are improved ADA accessibility to all floors, upgraded building systems, and building envelope performance. This project is currently in the design phase.  

Medical Innovation Building  
Georgia Tech’s upcoming Medical Innovation Building will bring together experts from bioscience, computer science, engineering, and social sciences to drive breakthroughs in medicine. Spanning about 200,000 square feet, the building will serve as a collaborative hub where researchers can turn innovative ideas into real-world medical solutions. 

The goal is to help faculty and students apply their research in clinical and community settings, with a focus on improving health outcomes through equitable access to biotechnology. Key research areas will include regenerative medicine, neurotechnology, immunoengineering, cell manufacturing, medical devices, wearable sensors, robotics, and AI-powered diagnostics.  

Located on the northern edge of campus, the building will primarily house labs for 40 faculty-led research teams, organized into themed “neighborhoods” to encourage collaboration. It will also feature advanced core facilities, support life sciences and bioengineering research, and host the new Institute for Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Society. Programs to support biotech entrepreneurship will also be included.  

Skiles Renovation 
The Georgia Board of Regents approved $20 million towards the renovation of the Skiles Building. Built in 1959, Skiles houses several centrally scheduled classrooms as well as multiple faculty offices. The scope will focus on the most pressing need by improving indoor air quality through the replacement and upgrade of the building’s mechanical systems.  

The project marks the beginning of a broader, multiphase effort to modernize and revitalize the Skiles Building over time, aligning with Georgia Tech’s commitment to providing safe, sustainable, and innovative learning environments.  

To stay up-to-date on campus construction projects, use our Interactive Construction Project Viewer. This dynamic tool combines a map and calendar interface, allowing users to easily track project start and end dates. ADA-accessible routes can also be located by zooming in on individual projects. 

For behind-the-scenes updates, follow Infrastructure and Sustainability on LinkedIn — where you’ll find exclusive sneak peeks, progress photos, and insights into the ongoing construction efforts that are shaping the future of Georgia Tech.