Georgia State Will Open New Research Tower

The university will celebrate its new 155,000-square-foot facility with a ceremony in downtown Atlanta.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Higher Education

Bold vector editorial illustration of a modern multi-story university research tower, showcasing clean lines and geometric architecture. — Georgia State University is set to inaugurate its new 155,000-square-foot Research Tower in downtown Atlanta, providing expanded space for academic collaboration this fall. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Georgia State University will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new nine-story Research Tower on September 22, 2026. The facility, located at the corner of Decatur Street and Piedmont Avenue, is opening for the fall semester.

Why it matters

The new tower serves to expand the university's capacity for research, teaching, and academic collaboration. It marks a significant milestone in the institution's ongoing efforts to grow its scientific footprint.

The new building features nine stories and provides 155,000 square feet of space. It is situated directly next to the existing Petit Science Center and the Research Science Center.

The players

Georgia State University

This public research university is a major academic institution located in downtown Atlanta.

Brian Kemp

He is the current Governor of Georgia who oversees state-level infrastructure and academic initiatives.

M. Brian Blake

He serves as the President of Georgia State University and leads the institution's academic strategy.

Donald Hamelberg

He is a prominent figure within the university community expected to participate in the upcoming ceremony.

The details

State and university officials are gathering to inaugurate the building, which was constructed to provide critical additional space for research and teaching activities. The tower occupies a strategic location in downtown Atlanta, bridging existing science facilities at the university.

Annual research spending baseline was established in 2010.
The university invested $2 billion in research over the past decade.
The tower opened for the fall 2026 semester.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for September 22, 2026.

Culture Shift

The construction of this tower reflects a broader trend of rapid expansion in academic research infrastructure across major public universities. This development follows the Georgia State University institutional research spending growth since 2010, marking a permanent shift in the school's capacity.

The new facility will provide students and researchers with expanded collaboration space starting this fall. Residents near the downtown campus should anticipate increased activity in the vicinity of the Piedmont Avenue corridor.

The takeaway

This expansion underscores the university's commitment to boosting its scientific output and academic standing. Students and faculty can expect a more collaborative environment as these new resources are integrated into the campus experience.