This facility is a two phase, 211,000 sf classroom and learning laboratory for Emory University. The first phase is a five-story, 125,000 sf building. The phase 2 expansion totals 86,000 sf and is connected by a tunnel on the first floor and skyway on the fourth and fifth floors. The complex contains student commons and auditorium spaces, a cafe and a dining room with catering kitchen, state-of-the-art classrooms and departmental suites, and faculty offices. The first floor is below grade on three sides and opens onto a garden terrace.
The challenge of the Goizueta School of Business was delivering a project which met Emory University's program and budget. The budget for the initial phase had been set three years prior to Holder's selection. Upon initial pricing, actual costs were 20% above the budgeted amount. Several million dollars worth of adjustments needed to be made to meet Emory’s budget. Two items which helped significantly were the schedule and the exterior. Holder reduced the schedule by two months through an innovative and less costly exterior system. Holder worked fiberglass impregnated gypsum board sheathing and covered the windows with plastic to enable the interior work to begin without a completed exterior wall system, thereby reducing the overall project schedule.
For phase 2, Holder utilized the lessons learned on the initial phase to facilitate an aggressive schedule. Several of the key subcontractors were brought on board to provide input into the design of the systems and millwork. This reduced the design and shop drawing development and approval process to support the project delivery. Ultimately Holder delivered the second phase four weeks early.
This project achieved LEED Gold Certification.