The skyline of the University of Texas at Austin is set for a shift as the Dobie Center Garage makes way for the new McCombs School of Business building, the 17-story Miriam and James J. Mulva Hall that's expected to be completed by 2028, this was revealed in a piece by KVUE. Demolition of the current structure began this week, clearing the ground for what is projected as the most substantial university project primarily funded through philanthropy with an approved total cost of $425 million sanctioned last year by the UT System Board of Regents.

Funding for the ambitious expansion has reached approximately 35% of its goal, with donors contributing around $150 million, and the McCombs Reserve providing another $50 million; the university has earmarked $225 million for the project, according to a statement obtained by KVUE. The structure will offer 373,000 square feet of space, including research labs and 29 classrooms intended to accommodate around 6,000 business minors, meanwhile, the latter floors are reserved for faculty offices and departmental space, creating what is termed a “business neighborhood” for UT Austin.

According to the Austin American-Statesman, design specifics of Mulva Hall have been shared, revealing a modern glass exterior complemented by communal terraces that offer views of campus landmarks. Lillian Mills, dean of the McCombs School of Business, emphasized the need for such a facility, saying, "We're the highest-ranked business school with the most dated facilities relative to how prestigious the education and thought leadership is here." The statement by Mills highlights a drive for the upgrade, aligning the physical space with the school’s reputation.

While still on the hunt for the last $25 million to hit their fundraising target, the McCombs School is nearly ready to commence the building's construction soon after the garage's removal. Echoing the strategic intent behind the new construction, Caitlin Mullaney, senior associate dean for business affairs and co-project advocate, told the Austin American-Statesman, “We're trying to create a space that really highlights the intimacy of our program but also amplifies the community of our program; what we know is most important about business is people, and I think that's something that we really want to focus on with this building.” The new Mulva Hall is not just a structure but a statement, one of progress and prestige that UT Austin aims to firmly embed in its campus culture by summer 2028.