Marshall University Opens Smith Center for Business and Innovation

Marshall University opened the Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation in January of 2024 in Huntington. Designed by Perkins Eastman, the 77,000-gsf facility provides the Lewis College of Business with state-of-the-art finance and computer labs, a maker space, offices, study areas, and a 360-seat auditorium. Technology-enabled classrooms that range in size from 32 to 96 seats are furnished with flip-top nesting desks on wheels for optimal flexibility. An expansive forum promotes informal interaction and exchange, as well as offering a dynamic setting for large presentations and events. Equipped with writable wall surfaces and advanced videoconferencing technologies, the Smith Center features meeting venues where both large and small businesses can hold gatherings, explore best practices, and engage in collaborative discovery with faculty and students.

Construction manager PJ Dick broke ground on the highly adaptable structure in November of 2021. Representing an investment of approximately $50 million, the public-private project was developed by Fairmount Properties as the anchor building for the Marshall Business and Innovation District.