An architecture firm and construction management group have been selected for the joint construction project involving the O.A. Grant Building and the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center.

Randall Scott Architects of Dallas will serve as the architectural firm for the addition of two floors to the Grant building and the renovation of the fine arts center. Austin-based Kiewit Building Group will serve as the construction manager at risk.

The O. A. Grant construction will provide an additional 26,000 square feet to the building and will provide office space for the Department of Communication Studies, English as a Second Language, an expanded university writing center and for the dean of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts. The project will also include needed accessibility upgrades and building systems upgrades.

The fine arts center rehabilitation project will modernize and update spaces, improve energy efficiency, improve accessibility standards and replace aged flat roof areas. Plans call for new seating, flooring, lighting, wall coverings, window treatments and an orchestra lift.

“This is an excellent opportunity to modernize our facilities,” said Kelli C. Styron, interim dean of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts. “It will greatly benefit the students at Tarleton by providing them with a first-class learning environment.”

The joint project, slated to begin in May 2013, will be managed by the The Texas A&M University System’s Office of Facilities Planning and Construction.

The estimated cost is $12 million for the O.A. Grant project and $8 million for the fine arts center. Construction costs will be paid using Permanent University Funds granted to Tarleton.