While construction programs and dining facilities may not often be found in the same building, Virginia Tech made it work with the opening of the $67 million Hitt Hall. Officially launched in September, the new facility spans 101,000 square feet and has transformed the university’s North Academic District. The building combines critical academic and administrative spaces with a variety of dining options, all anchored by the highly regarded Myers-Lawson School of Construction.

Housing Virginia Tech's building construction and construction engineering and management programs, Hitt Hall was designed with high standards in mind for both construction quality and functionality. The collaboration between Cooper Carry, a national design firm, and Richmond’s W.M. Jordan construction firm ensured that the space would be a modern, inviting hub for students. “Our team was eager for the challenge to showcase our skills while creating a space that inspires the next generation of construction professionals,” said Brent Amos, principal at Cooper Carry.

Design Efficiency and Cost Savings

Hitt Hall stands out due to the integration of educational spaces, administration, and dining facilities, offering both financial and logistical benefits. This combination allowed the use of diverse funding sources, including internal, state, and donor contributions, leading to greater overall cost efficiency. The building was named after the Hitt family, owners of HITT Contracting, creating a meaningful connection to the construction industry.

“Had each program used its individual funding source, more money would have been spent on circulation, stairs, elevators and hallways — as well as on unstructured spaces and building envelope, which would have resulted in less program space,” explained Amos.

The mixed-use nature of the project required a different approach to design. Cooper Carry engaged experts in various disciplines from the outset, integrating architecture, interiors, and branding teams. This collaborative effort resulted in a cohesive design that unified all aspects of the building's functions.

“Building construction is becoming more and more expensive. So, it makes sense to have mixed-use facilities that share the cost of general infrastructure, so that each program can be more cost-efficient,” Amos said. He believes this trend will continue to drive efficiency in future projects.

Creating Spatial Identities

One key design challenge was ensuring that each space within the large building had its own identity, while still maintaining a sense of unity. “As a nationally ranked and world-renowned school, the Myers Lawson School of Construction required its own identity,” Amos stated. Likewise, Virginia Tech’s dining facilities, consistently ranked among the best, were given their own unique design elements to reflect their high quality.

Originally planned as two separate buildings with a bridge between them, budget constraints led to a more efficient design with a central glass section connecting the two wings. This allowed the structure to maintain the appearance of two buildings, while also ensuring a cohesive overall design.

A Hub for Future Construction Professionals

Hitt Hall will significantly enhance Virginia Tech’s ability to expand its Construction Engineering and Management and Building Construction programs. Located in the northern part of the building, the Myers Lawson School of Construction is designed not only as a teaching space but as a research and learning tool.

The first floor includes a large double-height innovation lab and a 100-person general classroom. The second floor is dedicated to administrative functions and public spaces, offering lounges, study areas, and collaboration zones. The third floor contains flexible studio and classroom spaces, ideal for group projects and capstone work.

“The building’s interior showcases building systems, allowing students to see mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and traditional components firsthand,” said Amos. “The Innovation Lab also includes specialized equipment, like a 5-ton bridge crane, which allows students to work on large mockups.”

The collaboration with W.M. Jordan was particularly significant, as the company has a long-standing relationship with the Myers-Lawson School of Construction. "Creating this much-needed space and leveraging it for learning opportunities, site tours, and internships was incredibly impactful for our company,” said Scott Brame, construction manager at W.M. Jordan.

Innovative Dining Spaces

On the southern side of Hitt Hall, Perry Place offers a modern take on the traditional student dining hall, featuring nine distinct dining options for over 700 students. This space reflects the university’s commitment to sustainability, offering compostable food containers, napkins, and utensils, as well as integrating new technologies like mobile ordering and kiosks.

Designing for Connection

The building’s design fosters connection between the two main functions: the School of Construction and the dining areas. A double-height space links these two functions, with open views into the dining venues and an innovative, visible lab section.

The building was carefully integrated with the surrounding campus. The Myers Lawson School’s section includes a tower that mirrors the adjacent Bishop-Favro Hall, while the dining side leans into a more traditional collegiate gothic style. “The two wings are distinct but connected,” Amos explained. “The interiors are cohesive, yet each space has its own identity.”

Material Choices and Sustainability

The team selected materials for durability and sustainability. The use of Virginia Tech’s signature “Hokie Stone” ties the building to the campus, while other materials like precast concrete and aluminum curtain walls provide longevity. In the dining areas, materials were chosen for ease of cleaning and maintenance.

“All public spaces, including dining areas and hallways, are finished with materials that won’t end up in a landfill,” Amos noted. The building uses recycled content in carpet tiles, easy-to-clean recycled tiles in kitchens, and polished concrete in common spaces.

Success and Future Prospects

Hitt Hall is part of the broader development of Virginia Tech’s North Academic District and is tracking toward LEED Gold certification. “The collaboration between Cooper Carry and W.M. Jordan ensured a coordinated process in a high-traffic area,” said Travis Jessee, interim assistant vice president for design and construction. “I’m excited to see future generations of Hokies benefit from this space.”

Brame added, “This project provided a chance to increase mentorship and knowledge-sharing with the next generation of construction leaders. I’m proud of our work on Hitt Hall.”

For Cooper Carry, Hitt Hall exemplifies their dedication to designing spaces that foster innovation and collaboration. Amos believes that multipurpose, high-tech buildings like Hitt Hall will become increasingly common on university campuses in the future.