Skip to main content
OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

Campus Construction Updates

October 21, 2024

Interior of demoed Shawnee Hall

Exposed basement level of Shawnee Hall

Shawnee Hall

Demolition at Shawnee Hall is complete, and the next phase has begun with the installation of steel framing for the new roof. This crucial step requires halting other work inside the building for safety. Other completed portions of the project include the installation of new concrete piers and pier caps to support the weight of the new roof and roof structure. The plumbing rough-in for the first floor has also been completed; this includes all the piping that will run under the new concrete slab. This has the completion date for the new first floor slab scheduled for early November. OBU Administration and Facilities Services staff have also approved a brick match for the new brickwork on the building.

Check out this drone fly-through on Instagram for a better look at the progress.

Fencing placed in the quad

Tree removal was completed last week to allow for the new sewer line to be installed in the quad. The quad area between Shawnee Hall, the GC, WMU and the Library will see phased construction, maintaining access to pedestrian walkways. Fences have started to go up this week (as shown in the photo above), signaling the next phase of work on improved sewer infrastructure in this area.

Scaffolding around the spire of Raley Chapel

Scaffolding on the interior of Potter Auditorium

Raley Chapel

The roof renovation at Raley Chapel is progressing, with 43,000 custom-mixed clay tiles being hand-nailed into place with 86,000 nails. These tiles are designed to create a natural, sporadic pattern. Restoration efforts are underway on the clock tower, with the clock numbers removed to allow for complete stone cleaning. Roof work is paused two trusses back from the steeple, as weight restrictions prevent further progress until the scaffolding is removed. Once the entire spire project is complete, bell tower music and a modern RGBW lighting system will allow for synchronized music and lighting displays, with the latter making Raley Chapel an even more visible landmark from I-40 at night.

Trenches dug for piping in front of Thurmond Hall

Thurmond Hall

Work is advancing on Thurmond Hall with a new 8-inch waterline along the east side of the oval installed, aiming to improve water pressure across campus. By November, concrete, paver walkways, landscaping and irrigation systems should be in place. Construction on the second and third floors is scheduled to begin in January.

Office space being renovated in Bailey Business Center

Additional Updates

The Bailey Business offices are on track to be completed this week, while interior and exterior work will likely commence at Montgomery Hall in November.