Interesting news came out today that Arizona State University will be moving the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law from its current Tempe location to downtown Phoenix. The move will involve building a brand-new six-story facility that’s expected to cost $120 million.
If all goes according to plan, the Arizona Center for Law and Society will open in 2016, however, sticking to that plan may be difficult. The new location will be at Polk and First Street. This land will be provided by Phoenix for 10 years at no cost to the university. The city will also put $12 million toward the construction. However, the city has yet to approve of the project. The University believes Downtown Phoenix is the best location for the law school since it is located in the heart of the legal center of the city. It’s near numerous courts in corporate offices. At a subcommittee held on Wednesday, the City Council recommended that the city manager authorize contract negotiations for the law school’s development.
When the subcommittee met the first time, ASU revealed that they wish to move the law school to a different location. Prior to this, the University only hinted that they were considering it. While that plan has not been approved yet, it’s an important step in the right direction. There are several hurdles to jump through though the plan is looking promising. A vote from the Arizona Board of Regents will be held in December to see if the move is viable. The new law center also includes research centers that are both public and privately funded.
In moving the law school’s location, it also may be possible to expand the school’s reputation. The University wishes to move up in law school rankings and this may be the way to accomplish that. The move is also expected to increase enrollment between 20 and 40%.