The Forbes Professional Complex was a further development of the university Master Plan.  The challenge consisted of developing the program and plan to accommodate present and future programs for nine facilities:  Schools of Education, Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, Graduate School of Business, Library and Information Sciences, the School of Public and International Affairs, the School of Social Work and a new undergraduate library. 

The 14-acre site selected for this expansion required coordination with the adjacent residential neighborhood to provide a sensitive transition for the residents to live with their new neighbor.