LMN Architects has officially completed the John Tulloch Business Building at the University of Nevada, Reno—an ambitious project located along the expanding southern edge of campus that is designed to connect the university more closely with the surrounding Reno community. The new building serves as a signature gateway into the Mathewson Gateway District, a major redevelopment effort linking the campus with the city through academic, commercial, and public spaces.
Acting as both a functional educational facility and a symbolic campus threshold, the five-story, 128,000-square-foot structure introduces a series of flexible learning environments, social spaces, and collaborative areas intended to support a new era of business education at UNR.
“The John Tulloch Business Building is a testament to the power of design to shape the educational experience. LMN meticulously incorporated flexible, collaborative design elements specifically to encourage spontaneous interaction and teamwork,” said Donald Gibson, Managing Director of Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate. “We are confident that this environment will not only support the students’ learning but will actively drive the collaborative spirit needed for them to make a significant impact on the business world.”
Located between the city and the university core, the building expresses this dual identity. Its southern and eastern elevations use brick masonry to align with UNR’s historic architectural vocabulary, while the courtyard and interior facades shift to a lighter, more contemporary palette of glass and metal that reflects urban Reno.
LMN’s interior organization centers around a daylight-filled courtyard that doubles as an extension of Wolfpack Way, pulling pedestrians into the heart of the building. This open circulation spine encourages movement between academic zones and public areas.
“The design of the John Tulloch Business Building is centered on creating dynamic, flexible spaces that foster connection and innovation. By organizing classrooms, labs, and gathering areas around a light-filled central courtyard, we encourage active learning and spontaneous collaboration,” said Ashley Tingey, Interior Designer at LMN. “Expansive glazing, open circulation paths, and thoughtfully integrated social hubs—like the vibrant cafeteria and outdoor terraces—invite students, faculty, and community members to engage with one another. Every detail, from the use of natural materials to the seamless flow between academic and public spaces, is designed to support a welcoming, inspiring environment that reflects the College of Business’s forward-thinking mission.”
The facility includes:
Views from the upper floors frame downtown Reno, the surrounding mountains, and the university’s historic campus.
Awarded LEED Gold, the building incorporates:
The project forms a major component of the Mathewson Gateway District’s vision of a more connected, sustainable campus district.
“We are proud to have partnered with the university, Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate, Clark Construction Group, and our project collaborators to bring the John Tulloch Business Building to life in under four years,” said Christopher Eidt, Principal at LMN. “This achievement is a testament to our shared vision and teamwork. As a cornerstone of the Gateway Project, the building marks a significant step in uniting downtown and campus, supporting the education of more than 3,500 students and strengthening community connections for years to come.”
With its strategic site, permeable layout, and dynamic learning spaces, the John Tulloch Business Building is expected to become a defining academic hub for UNR while reinforcing the university’s outward-looking engagement with the City of Reno. As part of a broader district-scale transformation, the project sets a template for future campus development focused on collaboration, community, and sustainability.
Originally reported by LMN Architects in e-Architect.
