Connecting Carlson

Blueprints for the Carlson School of Management building were drawn almost 30 years ago. The world looks different now. So does business education. Connecting Carlson modernizes our building to meet the business needs of today. Upon completion, the building will be named for Marilyn Carlson Nelson, the former CEO and chair of Carlson Companies, for her leadership gift supporting the project.


 

Project Priorities

Connecting Carlson targets core spaces within our school to promote greater student collaboration, elevate experiential learning opportunities, strengthen a sense of belonging, and enhance connections with the greater business community. These updates will bolster Minnesota Carlson’s world-class education, providing a competitive edge for our students. The project prioritizes the following objectives:

  • Dramatically transform the Atrium for student use and outreach
  • Renovate Auditorium to improve the user experience
  • Highlight and improve Experiential Learning programs
  • Right-fit updated spaces to meet community needs

 

See the Space

The following renderings are up-to-date as of October 2023 and September 2025. Some design choices, such as furniture, fabrics, finishes, and materials, are for placement only and may not be the final selections.
 

Preview Minnesota Carlson atrium from above with students and faculty gathered in open space.
A rendering of the atrium on the second floor looking west.
Preview A rendering of the second floor of the atrium looking west in the Connecting Carlson project.
A rendering of the atrium on the second floor looking west.
Preview An aerial perspective of the atrium of the Connecting Carlson project.
A rendering of an aerial view of the atrium.
Preview Minnesota Carlson atrium view with UMN-branded screen and students seated at tables.
A rendering of the atrium on the first floor looking west.
Preview A rendering of the Enterprise Lab Suite for the Connecting Carlson project.
A rendering of the Enterprise lab suite on the first floor.
Preview Minnesota Carlson atrium with students talking and studying near UMN-branded screen.
A rendering of the atrium on the first floor looking west.
Preview Minnesota Carlson atrium with students gathered around tables and a large UMN-branded screen.
A rendering of the atrium on the first floor looking north from the southwest entrance.
Preview Minnesota Carlson atrium with students socializing in lounge seating and tables near UMN-branded screen.
A rendering of the atrium on the first floor looking east.
Preview Minnesota Carlson lecture hall full of students attending presentation with UMN branding.
A rendering of the auditorium.
Preview Lecture hall at Minnesota Carlson with students listening to presenter and large screen showing UMN branding.
A rendering of the auditorium.
Preview Minnesota Carlson atrium with students and faculty seated and standing near large screen.
A rendering of the atrium from the second floor.
Preview Minnesota Carlson atrium from above with students and faculty gathered in open space.
A rendering of the atrium on the second floor looking west.
Preview A rendering of the second floor of the atrium looking west in the Connecting Carlson project.
A rendering of the atrium on the second floor looking west.
Preview An aerial perspective of the atrium of the Connecting Carlson project.
A rendering of an aerial view of the atrium.
Preview Minnesota Carlson atrium view with UMN-branded screen and students seated at tables.
A rendering of the atrium on the first floor looking west.
Preview A rendering of the Enterprise Lab Suite for the Connecting Carlson project.
A rendering of the Enterprise lab suite on the first floor.
Preview Minnesota Carlson atrium with students talking and studying near UMN-branded screen.
A rendering of the atrium on the first floor looking west.
Preview Minnesota Carlson atrium with students gathered around tables and a large UMN-branded screen.
A rendering of the atrium on the first floor looking north from the southwest entrance.
Preview Minnesota Carlson atrium with students socializing in lounge seating and tables near UMN-branded screen.
A rendering of the atrium on the first floor looking east.
Preview Minnesota Carlson lecture hall full of students attending presentation with UMN branding.
A rendering of the auditorium.
Preview Lecture hall at Minnesota Carlson with students listening to presenter and large screen showing UMN branding.
A rendering of the auditorium.
Preview Minnesota Carlson atrium with students and faculty seated and standing near large screen.
A rendering of the atrium from the second floor.

Frequently Asked Questions

The updates are focused on the core of the building, touching some of the school’s most prominent and frequently used spaces. This totals roughly 70,000 square feet (25% of the building’s total) and includes a transformation to the auditorium and atrium. Select classroom and study spaces on the lower, first, and second floors will be revitalized, including a new Enterprise Lab suite and a larger Carlson Analytics Lab space on the first floor. 

Connecting Carlson is estimated to cost $40 million, which will be funded solely by philanthropic sources. As of June 2024, donor gifts of $28.5 million have been committed to the project. The University will provide financing to move the project forward as the remaining funds are secured.

Construction will begin in December 2024 after classes are complete for the semester. Construction will occur in 11 phases, with some areas being completed earlier than others. All work is scheduled to be completed by Fall 2026. Here is a high-level overview of the phases and when certain areas of the building will be under construction:

  • Spring Semester 2025: Carlson Analytics Lab on the first floor, auditorium, lower level classrooms, atrium stairs, roof replacement
  • Summer 2025: Auditorium, atrium, roof work continues, new Enterprise suite on the first floor, breakout rooms, restrooms, lower level common areas
  • Fall 2025: Atrium and enterprise suite work continues, new kitchenette for the Master's Student Lounge
  • Spring - Summer 2026: Atrium work continues

Read more Frequently Asked Questions.

Stay Connected

If you have questions about the Connecting Carlson project, please contact [email protected].