After more than five years of planning, $35.5 million in funding and one huge faculty move, the Gerdin Business Building will be open for classes when the spring semester begins Jan. 12.

Faculty of the College of Business have been moving into the building since Dec. 1.

“The move has been going very smoothly — remarkably smoothly, given the size of the task, and the fact that it’s happening while classes are in session,” said Dennis Caplan, assistant professor of accounting.

Although the faculty is in the process of moving in, there are still some last-minute adjustments being made, Caplan said.

“There is minor ongoing construction work, including the installation of some furniture and other equipment,” he said.

Even with some finishing touches still in progress, Caplan said he approves of his new environment.

“The building is beautiful,” he said.

Business students are anxious to see if they agree with Caplan’s assessment.

“I’m excited to see it. It’s been in the works since I started college, so I’m glad that I’ll actually get to take advantage of it before I graduate in May,” said Courtney Martin, senior in management.

“It will be nice to finally have our own building instead of having the curriculum kind of scattered all over campus.”

The move has made room for some changes to the College of Business, such as the decision to split the Business and Liberal Arts and Sciences career services into two separate offices. The two previously shared an office in Carver Hall.

Other business offices students use, such as the Undergraduate Office and departmental offices, have already moved and are open during normal business hours.

An official open house and dedication for faculty, students and guests is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 20. It will include guest speakers Russell and Ann Gerdin, a dedication by the ISU Foundation and continual self-guided tours throughout the day.

The building is named after the Gerdins, a couple from Coralville, who donated $10 million in 1998 to start the $35.5 million initiative for the building.