Eleven design-building teams presented project proposals to the Ivy College of Business for their expansion of the Gerdin Business Building. After much deliberation, BNIM of Des Moines and Story Construction of Ames were picked to design and build the expansion for the Gerdin Business Building.

Danny Johnson, director of the Ivy College of Business Facilities, said the construction of the expansion will start after the first frost. Johnson also said the trees, which currently occupy the space of the future expansion, will be removed and replanted.

A press release from the Ivy College of Business states, “the need for the building addition has never been greater.”

Classes are held in the Gerdin Business Building from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Monday through Thursday, and on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some business classes are held outside of the business building because of the lack of space and some Ivy College of Business faculty members have offices in the Memorial Union.

“We are fortunate to have a beautiful, modern facility,” said Dean David Spalding in a press release from the Ivy College of Business. “Unfortunately, we have outgrown this space. Our enrollment numbers were up again this fall. We now have 4,931 students, making us the fastest growing college at Iowa State University for the fourth year in a row.”

The estimated $28 million addition will be approximately 45,000 square feet and is anticipated to be completed in 2020. The addition will include more classrooms, study areas, computer labs, a multi-purpose space and faculty offices. Danny Johnson said they plan to hold January 2021 classes in the addition.

The expansion project will save the major walkway that goes through the Gerdin Business Building.

“The main goal is…the majesty of the building being lit up to still be here,” Johnson said.