As of July 1, the Business and Information Technology (BIT) building was approximately 40 percent complete.

Groundbreaking for CSUMB's newest academic building was held on Nov. 12. The $43 million, 58,000-square-foot structure will house the College of Business and the School of Information Technology and Communications Design.

Housing the two programs together allows students to integrate technology and business practices, and encourages the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship crucial for learning.

Located on the south side of Divarty Street next to the Tanimura & Antle Family Memorial Library, the technology-rich building will have eight classrooms, 12 labs, offices, conference rooms and student study areas.

Check out the progress of construction via webcam View the latest image

Sustainability strategies are incorporated into the design. Spaces are organized to ensure learning environments and staff areas receive natural light; storm water runoff will be contained on site; water conserving plumbing fixtures will be used; and heat-producing direct sunlight kept to a minimum with the exterior screen wall. The building has been designed to LEED Gold standards.

The project is expected to be completed for the 2015-16 academic year.

Facts about the building:

• Location: Divarty Street, next to the Tanimura & Antle Family Memorial Library

• Function: Will house the College of Business and the School of Information Technology & Communication Design

• Features: The technology-rich building will have two and three levels tied together by an atrium and will include eight classrooms; 12 laboratories; offices for faculty members, departments and the dean of the College of Business; conference rooms; student study areas; and a graduate student lounge.

• Sustainable features: Sustainability strategies are incorporated into the design. Spaces are organized to ensure learning environments and staff areas receive natural light; storm water runoff is to be contained on site; water conserving plumbing fixtures will be used; and heat-producing direct sunlight kept to a minimum with the exterior screen wall. The building has been designed to be LEED Gold certified.

• Architect: HMC Architects of San Jose (other projects include San Francisco State University library renovation and expansion; UC San Diego School of Management; College of the Desert Nursing Complex)

• General contractor: Rudolph and Sletten

• Size: 58,000 gross square feet

• Start of construction: November 2013

• Estimated completion: For the 2015-16 academic year

• Cost of construction: $43 million ($30 million for construction and $13 million for indirect costs including architects and engineer fees, consultants, agency reviews, furniture and equipment, etc.)

• Funded by: $43 million of state funds