In January 1966 UT announced that it would construct a building to house all phases of UT’s journalism, broadcasting, instructional television, public relations, and university extension on Circle Park. Classes were held in the building in summer 1969, although it was not formally open until fall quarter. The building, designed by Bruce McCarty and Associates, was the first of the complex that includes the Student Services Building, Andy Holt Tower, and the Administration Parking Garage.
Initially, the 110,000-square-foot building housed the Daily Beacon, a journalism library, the Public Relations Bureau, Tennessee Press Association, studios of WUOT radio station and WSJK television station, photographic services, graphic arts, publication services, and broadcasting services. It also housed UT’s Evening School and the Knoxville Extension Center, Civil Defense Training, Continuing Education, Conferences and Institutes, Correspondence, Program Planning and Library Services for University Extension, and the Teacher Materials and Film Center.
The curving balconies at the rear of the building were landscaped with mountain rock, redwood furniture, and holly trees in concrete planters.