Updated on September 3rd 2025 – After getting a construction tour by University President, Warren von Eschenbach, State Sen. Royce West, among other faculty members in late June 2025, the US$100 million UNT Dallas’ new Science and Technology (STEM) building could be opening its doors sooner than expected.
While in discussions on the amenities during the tour, the institution of higher learning announced that the new STEM building in the Dallas campus will be complete by end of this year. Once complete on time and on budget, the new STEM building will be in use as early as next year following the university’s intake scheduled for January 2026.
The new STEM building at UNT Dallas campus also had a topping-off ceremony in 2024. This was marked by the placement of the final steel beam in the building’s structure. A January 2025 flyover captured an aerial view of the project. A previous tour in March also gave the first glimpse of the teaching and learning spaces coming together inside. And the June tour with the State Sen. gave reassurances that the funds sought for in the Texas Legislature were put in intended use.
Overview of the new UNT Dallas STEM building
The building broke ground in September 2023 and was led by Vaughn Construction as developer. The 118,000 square foot facility will house a four-story structure. This will include up to 20 classrooms, 9 biology and chemistry teaching labs, 3 research labs and a large event venue. Alongside this will be study and work areas, a STEM center and a Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) space for students interested in medical school.
As highlighted during the ground-breaking ceremony, the new facility paves way for a new level of instruction, research, and collaboration. Also involved in the project was Stantec as the architecture for the building.
UNT is also constructing another new STEM building at its main Denton campus. This is being spearheaded by Skanska who are also overseeing the construction of a new Longwood University performing arts center in Virginia. The Longwood contract awarded on September 3rd 2025 is valued at US$73 million and is set to transform the creative space.
UNT Dallas project factsheet
Client: University of North Texas
Project description: UNT Science and Technology (STEM) building
Location: Dallas Campus, University of North Texas
Size: 118,000 square foot
Developer: Vaughn Construction
Architecture: Stantec
Cost: $100 million
Project commencement: September 2023
Project completion: Later this year
UNT Denton new US$87M STEM building
Reported on September 18th 2024 – The University of North Texas embarked on the construction of a new UNT Science and Technology building at its main Denton campus in September 2024. The project is being undertaken by Skanska at a cost of US$87million.
The new UNT state-of-the-art facility will fulfill a critical need for more modern facilities that support collaborative and interdisciplinary research on the campus. The new building will expand research space for areas such as biology, biomedical engineering, chemistry, physics, data science, computer science and engineering while creating experiential learning opportunities for students.
The UNT Science and Technology project involves the construction of a new 111,000 square foot building. It will be constructed with a cast-in-place structure. Its façade will also showcase a combination of masonry, curtain walls, and metal panels. Construction work is expected to reach completion in October 2026.
UNT Denton project factsheet
Client: University of North Texas
Project description: UNT Science and Technology (STEM) building
Location: Denton Campus, University of North Texas
Size: 111,000 square foot
Developer: Skanska
Cost: $87 million
Project commencement: September 2024
Project completion: October 2026
Funding for the Denton project
In July 2024, the North Texas Daily reported that the 87th Texas Legislature had approved $103.4 million in tuition revenue bonds to fund the the new UNT Science and Technology building.
According to the Dean of the College of Science, John Quintanilla, and Pamela Padilla, Vice President for Research and Innovation, the interdisciplinary building would expand research infrastructure. This will target areas in biology, chemistry, physics, data science and computer science.
Additionally, the new building will feature modern technology, state-of-the-art research labs, and group meeting rooms. It will also create opportunities for students and faculty to collaborate on research projects.
Highlight of completed projects at the University of North Texas
Denton Campus – Science Research Building Renovation. Completed in March 2025
Dallas Campus – Ryan Tower. Completed in 2022
Frisco Campus – Frisco Landing Building. Completed in early 2022
Dallas Campus – Hart Amphitheater. Completed in 2021
Denton Campus – UNT Biomedical Engineering Addition (Discovery Park). Completed in 2019
Dallas Campus – Student Center. Completed in 2019
UNT Health Science Center (Fort Worth) – IREB. Completed in 2018
Others include:
Expansion of classrooms and labs to support growing programs
Upgrades and new constructions to improve student living spaces
Enhancements to dining, study areas, and student services
Improvements to sports complexes and training facilities
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Construction of the New North Texas State Hospital is set to begin
