Making Space for Innovation

The Harold and Inge Marcus Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering (IME) is adding a new student-centered space within the Leonhard Building named the Leonhard Commons.

The first-floor lobby space in the Leonhard Building will be fully transformed into the new 6,200 square foot Leonhard Commons. The project, which began on Sept. 14, 2020, is currently seeking support to invigorate the minds of our industrial engineering student population.

Currently, the lobby of the Leonhard Building is not utilized as an educational or meeting space. With the construction of the Leonhard Commons, students will now have room to meet with peers, industry and faculty.

The Leonhard Commons, via critical support from our alumni, industry and friends, will be equipped with group study rooms and a private meeting room outfitted with computers and video conferencing systems, a classroom, gathering hub, recharge zone and a student printing corner. Also in the space will be sectional furniture that can be moved to create a more open space for lectures and other departmental events.

The estimated cost of the project is $2 million. If you are interested in supporting the Leonhard Commons, please contact the College of Engineering's development team. Your support will help give students easy access to cutting-edge technology as well as an inspiring space to meet, study and learn.

The Leonhard Building, constructed in 2000 and located on West Campus, has not had a substantial renovation since it opened. The College of Engineering Master Facilities Plan identified the Leonhard Building’s lobby on the first floor as an opportunity to provide students and faculty with a place to work in teams, meet with industry collaborators and spend down time.