East End News

A first look at McKelvey Hall

Rendering of the new McKelvey Hall to be built on WashU's Danforth campus
Above: A view of the interior courtyard of McKelvey Hall.

It’s the final piece of the East End Transformation at Washington University in St. Louis, and new renderings of James M. McKelvey, Sr. Hall demonstrate how the building will incorporate seamlessly into the project.

Overhead view of the transformation of the east end of WashU's Danforth campus
Overhead view of the transformation of the east end of Danforth campus with the new McKelvey Hall,
at top right, near Skinker Boulevard.

McKelvey Hall, named in honor of James M. McKelvey Sr., for 27 years the dean of the School of Engineering & Applied Science, will be located south of Preston M. Green Hall. While it will include faculty spaces and labs from each of the school’s five departments, McKelvey will also house the entire Department of Computer Science & Engineering, supporting Washington University’s data science efforts.

“Everyone is excited to get this first look at McKelvey Hall,” said Aaron Bobick, dean of the School of Engineering & Applied Science and the James M. McKelvey Professor. “This magnificent building will help further the school’s vision of academic excellence and research collaboration, serving as a hub for our growing computer and data science programs. It’s terrific to see it begin to come to life in these new renderings.”

McKelvey Sr.’s vision helped transform the School of Engineering & Applied Science from a regional program to a nationally recognized research institution. During his more than quarter-century tenure as dean, he led the school to prominence in engineering research, education and innovation.

McKelvey Hall — made possible by a $15 million lead commitment gift from Washington University alumnus and McKelvey’s son Jim Jr. — will also include faculty offices, research laboratories and student learning spaces, supporting the university’s overall vision.

Rendering showing McKelvey Hall from Skinker Boulevard.
Architectural rendering showing new McKelvey Hall to be built on the campus of Washington University
McKelvey Hall as it will appear from the east entrance to the Danforth campus.
Aerial view showing the master plan for the East End Transformation.

“McKelvey Hall, along with the other east end projects, will help set the course for the next era of academic achievement and service to society, both at the School of Engineering & Applied Science and Washington University as a whole,” Bobick said. “It will be a fitting reminder of Dean McKelvey’s innovation and leadership, and how he always looked for new ways in which engineering can impact both our local community and the world.”

Construction is expected to be completed in 2020.