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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

Campus Construction Updates

November 18, 2024

Shawnee Hall first floor slab and elevator pit

Sewer line trenching and installation in the quad

Shawnee Hall

Construction at Shawnee Hall is progressing well in November despite early delays caused by severe storms. The first-floor concrete slab was poured on Nov. 8, setting the stage for interior framing to begin soon. After careful consideration, OBU Facility Services and administration approved a cast stone match for the building’s trim to align seamlessly with the original structure. The elevator pit walls were completed on Nov. 7, and the framing for the new elevator shaft, made of concrete masonry units (CMU), is now underway.

In the coming weeks, crews will pour the third-floor slab on the deck and lay the foundations for the new east-side porch. Designed to mirror the west-side student work-study space, this porch will provide open-air seating 24/7 for studying, casual gatherings, and even small classes. The symmetrical design will enhance the building’s aesthetic while creating more usable outdoor space. Structural steelwork for the second floor and roof bracing should be finished by Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, sewer line trenching and installation in the quad area between WMU and the library continues as scheduled. Upcoming work will include below-grade waterproofing and installation of a French drain system around the building to address long-standing moisture issues. Roofing and parapet wall construction are slated to begin in mid-January, with the roof expected to be completed and the interior dried in by February.

Overhead view of Raley Chapel

Raley Chapel

Construction at Raley Chapel continues to advance, with several key milestones reached in November. Structural repairs to the exterior walls and roof were completed, and tuck-pointing and masonry repairs around the building are now finished, apart from the areas surrounding the spire, which will be addressed once the scaffolding is removed. Inside the chapel, the demolition of Potter Auditorium is now complete, clearing the way for upcoming renovations.

In the coming weeks, crews will install new clock components, including updated mechanical systems to operate the clock faces and dark bronze Roman numerals designed to stand out against the stonework. This work is scheduled to be completed by Nov. 22. The stone balustrade, which has undergone thorough cleaning and sealing, is also being reinstalled and should be complete by the same date. By mid-December, the scaffolding surrounding the spire will come down, marking a significant visual milestone in the project.

Lighting restoration is ongoing, with the installation of a new RGBW lighting system that will provide customizable color options and synchronization with the carillon system in the bell tower. These projects should be complete by the beginning of March. Roofing work is progressing steadily and is expected to be finished by the end of March.

Overhead view of Thurmond Hall

Former Executive Offices emptied in preparation for renovation

Thurmond Hall

At Thurmond Hall, grading for new sidewalks has begun, and forming work is in progress. Demolition and repouring of the front porch, which had suffered from cracking, is also underway. The railing will be reset after the new concrete is poured to ensure durability. Landscaping, irrigation and sodding are scheduled to take place after Thanksgiving, weather permitting.

In preparation for renovations of the second and third floors for Engineering, the executive suite has been relocated to the first floor of the Bailey Business Center and the Tech Services Network Team has moved to the first floor of Thurmond Hall. The remaining Tech Services staff will move to the MLC basement before Thanksgiving break. Admissions and Student Financial Services will move to Montgomery Hall and Academic Services will move to a temporary location in the MLC in December before Christmas break.

Former PLBA offices in Montgomery under renovation

Montgomery Hall

Renovations are also advancing at Montgomery Hall. The space previously occupied on the first floor by the Pott-Lincoln Baptist Association (PLBA) will house Student Financial Services staff, the Vice President of Enrollment Strategy, Admissions Data and Operations staff, and assistant directors of Admissions. The space previously occupied by WatersEdge will become the temporary home for the admissions counselors and director until their move into Shawnee Hall in the fall of 2025. Plans for landscaping and drainage enhancements, including subsurface systems and additional sod, will begin after Thanksgiving, weather permitting.

Tree Planting Initiative

OBU will participate in a community-wide reforestation effort in partnership with Pottawatomie Go (POGO), Keep America Beautiful, and the RETREET® program. Scheduled for March 8, 2025, the initiative will involve planting 200 trees throughout the city of Shawnee, with OBU serving as the staging area for this major event. The day will include a tree-planting demonstration on the university oval, followed by teams of volunteers planting trees in designated locations across the community.

The selected trees will include native Oklahoma species or those classified as Oklahoma-proven to ensure they thrive in the local climate. This project will also help replenish the campus arboretum, with additional tree-planting efforts planned for spring. The event offers students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to engage with the wider Shawnee community while contributing to the area’s recovery from recent natural disasters. A cookout and celebration will follow the planting, bringing together participants to commemorate the day’s accomplishments.