Celebrating the creation of a new space for collaboration, creativity, and innovation within Utah Tech University’s Art Department, the university held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday morning for the renovation and expansion of the McDonald Center.
Originally built in 1968 and most recently housing Utah Tech’s College of Humanities & Social Sciences, the McDonald Center will undergo a comprehensive remodel of the existing 18,540 square feet along with the addition of 30,730 square feet.
“Our new building will provide the much-needed space for our growing Art Department and will give room for our students to create well beyond what our current facilities will allow,” Meaghan Gates, chair of Utah Tech’s Art Department, said. “With this new centralized location on campus, we will be better integrated into the daily life of our university community.”
When complete, the building will feature a range of creative and instructional environments, including labs for digital animation, painting, drawing, illustration, sculpture, ceramics, and photography. Additional spaces will include a general lecture room, wood shop, gallery, student study areas, studio workspaces, and faculty and staff offices.
The expanded facility will support the university’s programs in 3-D Sculpture and Ceramics, Entertainment, Arts & Animation, Painting, Drawing & Illustration, and Photography and Digital Imaging.
Expected to open ahead of the Fall 2027 semester, the new facility is designed to create a purpose-built environment that supports Utah Tech’s polytechnic mission emphasizing hands-on learning, collaboration, and career preparation.
“As it is important to recognize the wide range of skills needed to have a true polytechnic learning experience, the development of our new art building and its location will better bring together the unifying goals of our institution to foster highly capable, career-ready students,” Gates said.
Housed within Utah Tech’s College of the Arts, the Art Department offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees designed to help students pursue artistic careers while working within a community of innovators that celebrates individual expression. More information is available at art.utahtech.edu.
