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. Some 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. 

The auditorium is being reimagined to allow for more connection with the atrium during events. A new retractable wall at the rear of the auditorium will create the option to connect or separate this space from the atrium. Classroom 1-114 and the support spaces separating the auditorium from the atrium will be relocated to create a pre-function space or additional event seating. 

The interior of the auditorium will be upgraded with new finishes, lighting, and audio/visual technology. The new seating will include fixed tables with movable chairs throughout. The tiers will be extended to fit two fixed tables per tier to allow for more collaboration. The auditorium’s seating capacity intends to remain the same.

A new feature staircase with a switchback design will connect the lower, first, and second floors as well as allow seamless access to Hanson Hall via the skyway. This staircase will replace the current one on the school’s east end that connects the lower and first floors. The central staircase in the atrium that currently connects the first and second floors will be removed. The atrium will be upgraded with new finishes, lighting, and audio/visual technology.

On the first floor of the atrium, part of the current stair opening to the lower floor will be infilled, adding 965 square feet. The increased space provides more room for visitor seating and student collaboration. The north side of the atrium will feature a large digital media wall atop a fixed, accessible stage. The central atrium can accommodate 250 seats for events. 

On the second level, about 2,600 square feet of new floor space will be added to complete a full circulation loop around the atrium. The extra space will allow for more open study areas on the east end of the second floor. 

The four Enterprise labs will be moved to a new suite space on the first floor adjacent to the atrium. The Brands, Funds, Consulting, and Ventures Enterprises will each have their own workspace, breakout rooms, and offices. The Enterprise Suite will also feature a shared area with six meeting rooms and a common space. These spaces will have access card control for sole use by the Enterprise teams. 

The Carlson Analytics Lab will move to a larger space near the school’s northwest entrance on the first floor. It will feature an open workspace, a meeting room, breakout rooms, and offices.

The Connecting Carlson project aims to create more gathering spaces for students to study, collaborate, and socialize. On the first floor, there will be five open area common spaces, strategically located adjacent to the Enterprise Suite, the Carlson Analytics Lab, and the atrium. Added space on the second floor will allow for more open study areas on the east end. The lower floor will also retain study space near the new switchback staircase.

After the renovation project, there will be 25 breakout rooms across the school. Of the 25 rooms, 16 will have new finishes, furniture, and audio/visual technology. The remaining rooms, which were either recently renovated or remain in good condition, will have their exterior entrances refreshed.

There will also be five focus rooms added for individual study on the first floor adjacent to a common space, where the Master's Student Lounge is currently located.

The current Master's Student Lounge (1-112 and 1-113) will be turned into a common area and individual focus rooms. The new Master's Student Lounge will move into the current enterprise lab space on the lower level in rooms L-151 and L-155. While most of this space will not be renovated, a kitchenette will be added to the area.

Due to the changes on the first floor, two classrooms (1-149 and 1-114) will be relocated to the lower level and will replace the Computer Labs (L-112 and L-113). Access to computers will remain available in the Hanson Hall lower-level IT space.

The "Sphere" atrium sculpture in the Carlson School of Management was designed and installed by Ed Carpenter in 1997 as part of the original building construction. The sculpture was specifically created for this space. With the upcoming renovation, the impact on the art piece has been carefully studied by various experts—including the Weisman Art Museum, the original artist, the renovation architect and University Architect, and leadership at the Carlson School of Management. After considering different options and factors such as the updated vision for the atrium, the symbolism of the piece in today's business world, and the practicality of maintaining it, the decision has been made to decommission the art piece.
 

Paint, flooring, and ceiling finishes have been determined with the input from Minnesota Carlson stakeholders. Furniture selections, including styles, fabrics, and colors will be made in the Fall of 2024. A furniture fair is scheduled for September and will allow users of these spaces to see the options and provide input via a digital survey which will influence final selections by the furniture committee.

No. Entries and exits are not part of the Connecting Carlson project. During construction, all access will remain available, secure, and safe for building occupants. Separate from the Connecting Carlson project, the University is exploring options to enable electronic access for guests. However, timing and cost are to be determined.

For the pre-design phase, a steering committee worked with a University Capital Project Management team from 2018-2019 to establish project goals and priorities, which underwent a realignment in 2022 following the COVID-19 pandemic. Connecting Carlson is currently in the design development phase to review design concepts and complete budget validation. The design phase is expected to take place from 2023-2024, during which furniture and trim selections will be made. Given the current project scope and understanding, the plan is to start construction in December 2024 and complete construction in Fall 2026.

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.

Two architectural design companies are working in partnership to design the building revitalization: BWBR and Clark Huesemann. The construction firm for the project is JE Dunn. The firms were selected via an RFP process that is facilitated by the University’s Purchasing Services with support from the Capital Project Management Team.

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
   

Classrooms and offices will remain operational except for a few times when we need to renovate the areas outside these rooms. We are planning to do this most disruptive work during the summer or night shifts. Open study spaces will be reduced while renovations are occurring in the atrium and students are encouraged to find other spaces in Hanson Hall, the Humphrey School, or Wilson Library. We understand that Minnesota Carlson is a very busy space and we intend to regularly communicate and coordinate with students, faculty, and staff about construction activities.

Walking access across the atrium will be blocked off between May 2025 through September 2026. A protected pathway will be available at all times to access any space around the atrium.

The atrium will be unavailable for events from January 2025 through September 2026.

The auditorium will be unavailable for events from January 2025 through November 2025.