Business and Social Sciences Building

The new Business and Social Sciences Building will modernize infrastructure, create flexible learning spaces and expand opportunities for programs that meet our community’s evolving needs.

Spring 2028 Semester

Anticipated Completion Timeframe

92,380

Total Gross Square Footage

2

Number of Floors

$78 million

Estimated Total Cost*

*Funded by the referendum approved by District 512 voters in 2018

Building Overview

Building letter: The Business and Social Sciences Building will be Building J (updated September 2025).

Sustainability: The building is designed to be LEED Silver certified, which outlines stringent criteria around environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. Key features include improved stormwater management, native and adaptive plantings, rain gardens, heat island reduction, the use of regional construction materials, recycled content in construction materials, low-emitting finish materials, optimized energy performance, water use reduction, water and energy metering, and increased air quality strategies. The building will also include a vegetated roof.

Other features: The building will feature key aspects of universal design and accessibility. Outdoors, the campus community will enjoy an expanded courtyard.

Architects: FGM Architectsand Robert A.M. Stern Architects

Construction Manager: Pepper Construction Company

What's going into the Business and Social Sciences Building?

The Business and Social Sciences Building will house programs, services and amenities including:

Accounting
Anthropology
Business Administration
Computer Information Systems
Drones
Early Childhood Education
Economics
Education
Geography
History
Legal Studies
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology

Moot Courtroom
Early Childhood Laboratory School
Studio V boutique
300-seat flexible theatre / auditorium with dressing rooms, green room, office and restrooms; both the main floor and balcony levels will be accessible, including the stage and back of house areas
Flexible classrooms
All Gender / Family Restrooms
Student gathering and wellness spaces
Space for future programs
Space for Fast Track program

Building gallery

Lorem ipsum

Aerial exterior rendering of the campus-facing side of Building I showing an L-shaped building connected to nearby existing buildings

Exterior rendering looking southeast

Classroom

Conference Room

Moot Courtroom

Pre-function space rendering for Building I, showing an open space with hightop tables and windows

Theatre

Aerial view of the front of Building I from the perspectives of the parking lots

Exterior rendering looking northwest

Getting to campus: Due to construction on campus, the bus stop for Pace route 697 has been relocated to the front of Building Y by lot 4. Learn more about coming to campus.

Interactive Campus Map

Use the Interactive Campus Map to find your way through construction closures on campus. View areas affected by construction and find routes around construction areas. Visit maps.harpercollege.edu

Anticipated Construction Timeline

May 9, 2025

Groundbreaking Ceremony

June 2025

Mobilization / Construction Begins
Demolition of Building J Begins

February 2027

Substantial Completion

Fall 2027

Furniture, Technology, and Faculty / Staff Move-in
Demolition of Existing Building I

Winter 2028 / Spring 2028 Semester

Building Opens
Completion of Site Restoration

The information on this page is subject to change.

Contact us

Have a question about construction on campus? Please use this contact form to submit any questions or feedback.