	Location	Reno, NV
	Size	295,000-sq-ft
	Delivery	Design-Bid-Build
	Designer	H+K Architects
	Awards	ENR Best Projects Education Nevada AGC Pinnacle American Concrete Institute Award
	Photographer	Vance Fox

This project is part of a legacy of construction excellence built at a respected Nevada contractor, now carried forward by the Plenium Builders team.

Building a Campus Landmark

At the heart of the University of Nevada, Reno’s transformation into a Tier 1 research institution stands the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center — a five-story, 295,000-square-foot facility blending advanced technology, creative learning spaces, and community-driven design. From concept to completion, the project challenged teams to merge precision craftsmanship with cutting-edge infrastructure, ultimately delivering one of the nation’s most technically advanced learning environments.

More Than a Library

The Knowledge Center redefined what a university library could be, replacing static book stacks with an immersive, technology-rich experience designed to foster collaboration and innovation. Inside, students access smart classrooms, multimedia production labs, private project rooms equipped with large flat-screen displays, and computing labs with high-end hardware and software. Spaces like the 180-seat auditorium, recording studio, coffee shop, art gallery, and sculpture garden transformed the building into a vibrant campus hub.

Engineering for Innovation

One of the most complex aspects of the project was accommodating the building’s automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) — a robotic system designed to house and retrieve materials from a high-density shelving system. To support the weight and precision requirements of the ASRS, crews executed a record-breaking 2,700 cubic-yard concrete pour, the largest continuous pour in Nevada history at the time. Achieving the required super-flat surface for the ASRS involved extensive coordination between construction professionals, design consultants, and the system vendor to ensure the structure and technology worked seamlessly together.

Structural Feats

Beyond the technical systems, the structure itself demanded innovative approaches. The entry arcade features 150-foot-long concrete beams soaring 60 feet above ground, formed and placed in a single continuous pour. These beams, 15 feet tall and nearly 6 feet wide, incorporate decorative brick soldier courses and foam infill, blending precise engineering with architectural flair.

In total, the project incorporated 21,000 cubic yards of concrete, delivered through 2,110 truckloads — much of it placed during night shifts to minimize disruption to campus life.

Collaboration at Every Step

Crews worked in close partnership with UNR Facilities Maintenance throughout construction, especially during system rough-ins and equipment installations. Bi-weekly walkthroughs brought together foremen, university service techs, and project leaders to review over 200 critical locations, ensuring adequate service clearances and system compatibility. These collaborative reviews not only ensured specification compliance but also gave university staff the chance to familiarize themselves with systems before occupancy, streamlining future maintenance.

Flexible Problem-Solving

Like any large-scale project, challenges emerged. When steel deliveries were delayed by eight weeks, project leaders developed a phased recovery plan, breaking the project into smaller, overlapping work areas and increasing trade partner crew sizes to recapture lost time. This adaptive scheduling, coupled with constant communication between crews, design consultants, and university stakeholders, allowed the project to stay on track for on-time delivery.

A Smooth Transition

As completion approached, teams developed a detailed commissioning plan aligned with both state and university requirements. The plan incorporated trade partner input and university oversight, ensuring that complex mechanical, electrical, and technology systems were thoroughly tested, documented, and ready for immediate use. This collaborative approach smoothed the transition from construction to operation, reducing punch list items and ensuring the building was fully functional from day one.

A Lasting Legacy

The Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center opened to widespread praise, immediately becoming a cornerstone of the UNR campus experience. Behind its cutting-edge technology and bold architecture stands the work of skilled construction professionals — many of whom continue to bring their expertise and collaborative spirit to projects today.