As the largest building to date on the university’s campus, this facility houses most departments from the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Sciences and Mathematics, and the School of Religion, more than doubling the physical space these colleges—which consist of more than 50 undergraduate programs—previously occupied. As every undergraduate student will take courses in the building as part of the university’s general education curriculum, the space truly exhibits the collaborative nature of education and the interdisciplinary emphasis of Belmont’s educational philosophy.
The center includes a 300-seat chapel, dining options, 30 classrooms that vary in seating capacity from 24–72 seats, laboratories, faculty offices, and conference room space. State-of-the-art science labs are available for the biology, chemistry, and physics programs, allowing for student and faculty research. A five-level underground parking garage provides approximately 430 parking spaces, connecting on three floors to both the Inman Center and McWhorter Hall. Meanwhile, the open atrium on four of the five floors provides ample natural light throughout the building, and the fifth-floor dome anchors the corner of Wedgewood and 15th Avenue, heralding the campus’ east entrance. To top it off, a glassed-in conference room inside the dome provides an unprecedented view of the Nashville skyline.
I have worked with ESa on over a dozen projects throughout the years on the Belmont University campus. On each and every building type, ESa has proven its value, time and time again. The firm does its homework, listens to what the client wants and is responsive in solving problems. ESa’s knowledge and thoroughness under budget constraints and pressure of deadlines, from early design to construction completion, contribute to successful building programs that exceed expectations. —William E. (Bill) Trivett, Project Manager, Franklin, TN
The Wedgewood Academic Center provides a perfect visual testimony of just what a unique and challenging education Belmont offers. Where else can science, liberal arts and religion students and faculty interact so easily? I believe the building itself will quickly become a Nashville icon—it is spectacular. —Dr. Robert Fisher, Belmont University, President Emeritus
Photos © Michael Peck; © Attic Fire Photography
