The University of Louisville's (UofL) J.B. Speed School of Engineering in the US has opened its new Student Success & Research Building.  

Located on the Belknap Campus, the four-storey building encompasses 114,000ft² and includes modern classrooms, laboratories, conference rooms, and more.

According to the university, this facility is designed to support student collaboration and research innovation. 

UofL president Gerry Bradley: “This amazing new facility, with state-of-the-art amenities, will speed those efforts, creating bold new opportunities for our students, researchers and the commonwealth.” 

The project, which had its announcement in February 2024, was a collaborative effort between architectural company Luckett & Farley and SmithGroup, with Whittenberg Construction serving as the general contractor.  

It represents a $90m investment, with nearly $10m raised through philanthropic contributions for naming rights within the facility. 

The Student Success & Research Building is equipped to support diverse fields such as robotics, AI, sustainable energy, additive manufacturing, and cybersecurity, as said in university statements.  

It will also house essential student support services, including academic counselling, tutoring, co-op coordination, and admissions. 

This launch coincides with the centennial celebrations of the Speed School's establishment, marking a milestone in the institution's history. 

Kentucky Senate president Robert Stivers said: “This new Student Success & Research Building represents a strategic investment in Kentucky’s future.  

“With expanded lab space, collaborative learning environments and a focus on innovation, it strengthens our capacity to educate the next generation of engineers and problem-solvers.  

“The state’s $65m commitment to this project reflects the vital role UofL and the Speed School play in building a stronger, more competitive commonwealth.”