Barnes Gromatzky Kosarek Architects of Austin is the firm designing the new facility for The University of Texas at Tyler Palestine Campus, Gregg Lassen, UT Tyler vice president for business affairs, announced.

The 20-year-old firm has completed design projects for large and small academic institutions across Texas, including UT Austin, Texas A&M University, University of St. Thomas, St. Edward’s University, Temple College and Texas School for the Deaf.

“We are pleased to work with an architectural firm of this caliber in the development of the new Palestine Campus facility,” said Lassen.

BGK Architects and UT Tyler are finalizing the program phase of the project, which allows them to gather information on the needs and logistics of the facility. This will serve as a roadmap for the design phase.

Designs will include the new building as well as a master plan for future development of the Palestine Campus.

“This master plan will include pertinent information regarding identification of several potential building sites, landscaping, lighting, signage, parking, recreational areas and pedestrian walkways,” Carol Bowman, UT System facilities and construction project manager, said.

Projected completion of the construction is summer 2010.

One of the 15 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler offers excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 70 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of more than 6,000 high-ability students at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine.