--- title: "Business Innovation Building | Lehigh University – Keast & Hood" description: "Business Innovation Building | Lehigh University The rapidly expanding College of Business and Economics at Lehigh University needed a new home for the Business Innovation Building. The 65,000 square foot new construction building is three-stories, steel-frame" lang: en json-ld: | { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "CreativeWork", "name": "Business Innovation Building | Lehigh University", "url": "https://keast-hood.itigniter.com/portfolio-item/business-innovation-building-lehigh-university", "description": "Business Innovation Building | Lehigh University The rapidly expanding College of Business and Economics at Lehigh University needed a new home for the Business Innovation Building. The 65,000 square foot new construction building is three-stories, steel-frame", "image": "https://keast-hood.itigniter.com/media/imported/2024-08-Lehigh-Rauch-Business-School-2.jpg", "creator": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Keast & Hood" } } --- [![Keast & Hood Structural Engineers](https://keast-hood.itigniter.com/__l5e/assets-v1/63f6ea4d-7417-4ea8-ae63-b974b4bc82b0/kh-logo-blue.svg)](/) [Home](/) [Expertise](/our-services) [New Construction Efficient, elegant structural systems for ambitious new buildings. ](/our-services/new-construction)[Historic Preservation Careful intervention that keeps landmark buildings standing and in use. ](/our-services/historic-preservation)[Renovations | Additions | Adaptive Reuse Renovations, additions and adaptive reuse that unlock existing structures. ](/our-services/renovation)[Building Envelope Facade, roof and waterproofing assessment for durable enclosures. ](/our-services/building-envelope)[Structural Investigation | Intervention Investigation, testing and repair strategies for troubled structures. ](/our-services/structural_investigation_intervention)[Sustainability Low-carbon structural design guided by our SE2050 commitment. ](/our-services/sustainability) ### 70 years of structural expertise From landmark preservation to net-zero new construction, see how our engineering shapes each project. [View all projects](/projects) [Projects](/projects) [About Us](/aboutus) [People Meet the engineers behind the work. ](/aboutus/people)[Legacy Seven decades of landmark projects. ](/aboutus/legacy)[News + Articles Firm news, awards and insights. ](/category/news)[Social Feed The latest from our studio. ](/social-feed) ### Join our team We are always looking for curious engineers who love buildings. [See open roles](/careers) [Careers](/careers) [Contact](/contact-us) # Business Innovation Building | Lehigh University ![Business Innovation Building | Lehigh University](https://keast-hood.itigniter.com/media/imported/2024-08-Lehigh-Rauch-Business-School-2.jpg) The rapidly expanding College of Business and Economics at Lehigh University needed a new home for the Business Innovation Building. The 65,000 square foot new construction building is three-stories, steel-framed and includes a basement with significant retaining walls based on the site layout and grading around the building. As part of the new building’s program, design features include specialized learning environments, faculty offices, and a large two-story feature atrium with a monumental stair.  A feature structural highlight includes the suspended monumental stair, comprised of hollow structural steel members and architecturally exposed structural steel. To create this floating staircase, steel hanger rods drop down through the atrium from the roof structure, suspending the stair within the atrium space.  Special attention to the stair detailing was necessary to create a pathway for hidden electrical wiring, ensure clean connections at the hanger rods and a seamless tie-in with the adjoining second floor atrium opening and handrail system. Due to the Karst geology prominent in this Lehigh Valley area which can be prone to sinkholes, a ground improvement plan was implemented to improve the allowable soil bearing capacity and mitigate any long-term settlement concerns.  This program was undertaken in accordance with geotechnical recommendations and consisted of a system of rammed aggregate piers to support more conventional spread concrete foundations. Principal Constantine G. Doukakis, PE (retired) Project Team Allison Lukachik, PE, SE, CDT | Jason DeMuro, PE Client Voith & Mactavish Architects Location Bethlehem, PA Project Type Academic Project Scope New Construction Status Complete Cost $23.14 Million ![Business Innovation Building | Lehigh University](https://keast-hood.itigniter.com/media/imported/2024-08-Lehigh-Rauch-Business-School-3.jpg-8x10-1.jpg) ![Business Innovation Building | Lehigh University](https://keast-hood.itigniter.com/media/imported/2024-08-Lehigh-Rauch-Business-School-1.jpg) ![Business Innovation Building | Lehigh University](https://keast-hood.itigniter.com/media/imported/2024-08-2022-0106-2.png) ![Business Innovation Building | Lehigh University](https://keast-hood.itigniter.com/media/imported/2024-08-2021-11012.png) [All Projects](/projects) ![Keast & Hood Structural Engineers](https://keast-hood.itigniter.com/__l5e/assets-v1/80bc79b1-0211-4ea5-8b9b-47b698c8eca0/kh-logo-reverse.svg) A certified Women's Business Enterprise (WBE), Small Business Enterprise (SBE), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) delivering structural engineering solutions for over 70 years. 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