UT Arlington
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The University of Texas at Arlington on Friday announced that architecture firm HKS will design the first facility of UTA West and that Hensel Phelps will serve as the general contractor.
University officials said the two firms were selected through a “competitive selection process.”
“The boldest dreams need a visionary and ambitious team if they are to be realized,” UTA President Jennifer Cowley said. “Between HKS, Hensel Phelps, and UTA, the team we have assembled will ensure UTA West’s development aligns with our strategic plan, supporting our mission of excellence in education, research, and community engagement.”
Earlier this month, university officials, city leaders, and officials from Tarrant and Parker counties broke ground on the campus in Walsh Ranch in west Fort Worth.
The University expects to classes to begin there as early in as Fall 2028. Infrastructure installation will begin later this year and development beginning in 2026.
The firms will soon kick off the first phase of the UTA West design, focusing on establishing a distinct campus identity, officials said in a press release. Central to the vision is a signature building and a dynamic public space designed to foster student connection and innovation. Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of Parker County, HKS plans to design a campus that reflects its surroundings while creating a memorable and functional environment for the university’s future growth.
“It was extremely important to appoint a design-build team that will respect the natural beauty of the site, establish design standards that will guide future development of UTA West, and bring proven experience to execute the program and construction documents successfully,” said John Hall, UTA vice president for administration and economic development.
HKS has participated in high-profile projects across Fort Worth and Dallas, including AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, and TCU’s renovation of Amon G. Carter Stadium.
Founded in 1937 and based in Greeley, Colorado, Hensel Phelps has worked extensively with The University of Texas System over the past 40 years, providing design-build and construction manager-at-risk services at multiple campuses, including UT Arlington. The firm has delivered 46 projects worth more than $3 billion, spanning more than 12 million square feet for the system, more than any other builder, according to the release.
“The needs of students and faculty are shifting at an ever-accelerating pace,” said Leonardo Gonzalez Sangri, global practice director, education, and partner at HKS. “Preparing for careers that we can’t yet fully anticipate demands a careful and purposeful approach. We are excited to … collaborate with The University of Texas at Arlington in creating a new campus that meets this challenge and sets a standard for the future of education.”