Due to the uniqueness and limited scope of the renovation project, the University was delegated authority to manage this phase of the Alkek Library renovation project. The University selected Ford, Powell & Carson of San Antonio to design the project. A feasibility study and program were completed and approved by the project stakeholders. With the high-profile acquisition of the Cormac McCarthy papers, the Alkek Library requested an expansion of the scope of this project to include additional archive and exhibit space. Construction started in November 2008.

Status: Construction was substantially complete in October 2009 in time for a major gallery event. The project is 98% complete.