BOND, a leading Boston-based construction management firm and an AGC of Connecticut and Massachusetts member, celebrated the dedication of Harvard Business School’s Tata Hall on Dec. 9. The ceremony marked the completion of a two-year construction process, resulting in a new cornerstone building for the HBS Executive Education program.

The building’s namesake and benefactor, Ratan Tata, traveled from India to attend the facility’s dedication. Tata, chairman of the multinational Tata Group, donated $50 million toward the construction of the building, Harvard Business School’s largest gift from an international donor in its 102-year history. Tata attended the HBS  Advanced Management Program in 1975 and received the School’s highest honor, the Alumni Achievement Award, in 1995. He was named one of the world’s most respected CEOs by Barron’s Magazine, as well as one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People.  

Tata Hall contains 179 bedrooms with private baths, classroom space for almost 200 students, and offices and common areas for administrators and the HBS academic community. This much-needed classroom, housing, and gathering space will extend the school’s portfolio of course offerings and accommodate the rising demand for Harvard’s executive programs. Currently, more than 9,000 worldwide leaders enroll in the HBS’ more than 60 custom Executive Education programs.

Located on a challenging site in Allston, along busy Soldier’s Field Road and adjacent to the Charles River, Tata Hall’s creation required in-depth planning and extensive logistics analysis to maximize safety for passersby and minimize disruption to nearby campus buildings. BOND utilized more than 1,600 pieces of steel, 18,200 pieces of limestone, and 10,000 cubic yards of concrete in the building’s construction. Over 210 workers from the Boston area were employed throughout the project.

Designed by acclaimed architect William Rawn Associates, the completed Tata Hall serves as an anchor for Harvard’s development in Allston. The building’s arc shape forms an open space facing the Charles and the Boston skyline, creating a clean connection between the city and HBS. Two glass walls maximize views and increase transparency between the campus and its surroundings.

"BOND is proud to have created such an iconic building for the Harvard Business School," said BOND Executive Vice President Frank Hayes. "We hope that Tata Hall’s design and amenities will assist HBS with continuing to increase the standard of excellence for executive education." 

Tata Hall is the latest in a long list of BOND projects completed for Harvard’s various schools. The firm is also currently working on the restoration of Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Longfellow Hall and renovations to Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences Semitic Museum and Biological Laboratories.