Campus Construction Updates
December 11, 2024
Fencing in the Quad
The construction fencing in the quad between Shawnee Hall, the GC, WMU and the Library is expected to be cleared out by the start of the spring 2025 semester making navigation through the area much easier. Thank you for your patience as this necessary work was completed.
Tree Planting
OBU continues to prioritize tree plantings for arboretum restoration efforts alongside campus restoration. Tree planting will follow various stages of construction.
Overhead view of Shawnee Hall construction
Shawnee Hall
Construction at Shawnee Hall has continued to progress in December, with key milestones achieved. The French drain system installation and below-grade waterproofing are in full swing, with completion expected by January 9. The intent of these updates is to eliminate water intrusion, eliminating the “musty Shawnee Hall smell” that has long been a challenge.
Shawnee Hall third-floor concrete slab and roof construction
The first floor and third-floor concrete slabs have been poured, marking critical advancements in the building’s interior. The former theatre space is now taking shape as two distinct spaces: a multipurpose room on the second floor for graduate health science classes and large gatherings, and a third-floor lecture room that can be divided into two smaller spaces.
Shawnee Hall west entry and foyer retaining walls
On the west side, retaining walls for the entry ramp and foyer have been poured. This entry will feature a student lounge, with access to the first floor via a ramped landing. Construction on the east-side outdoor seating area will commence soon. Meanwhile, metal framing for interior rooms on the first floor is underway, offering a glimpse of the building’s final layout.
Plumbing rough-ins continue on the second and third floors, and the elevator shaft has been completed up to the second floor, with work on the third-floor shaft ongoing. Structural steel for the roof is progressing, with decking installation on the east side. The roof’s brick parapet wall construction and waterproofing are scheduled to begin by December 30, keeping the project on track for a fully dried-in roof by February 6.
Exterior masonry restoration will begin on January 15, signaling the start of visible changes to the building’s façade.
View of Raley Chapel's new clock face
Raley Chapel
Restoration of Raley Chapel reached a significant milestone as the clock faces were fully repaired. Scaffolding is now being removed around the clock faces. The clocks are operational and will automatically adjust for Daylight Saving Time. The balustrade level has been restored and reinstalled, completing the stonework repairs.
Demolition preparations for the first floor are set to begin after the New Year, paving the way for further interior renovations.
Overhead view of Thurmond Hall front, including new pavers and work on new landscaping
Thurmond Hall
Landscaping and irrigation installation progressed in December, highlighted by the completion of the Women of Vision paver walkway during Thanksgiving week.
Admissions and Student Financial Services are scheduled to relocate to Montgomery Hall during the week of December 16-20. Academic Services will move to the Mabee Learning Center in early January, clearing the way for demolition of the second and third floors to begin in January.
Renovations in one of the first floor office suites in Montgomery Hall
Montgomery Hall
Renovations to the temporary locations for Admissions and Student Financial Services offices located on the first floor of Montgomery Hall are nearing completion, with final punch-list tasks being addressed. The grounds outside of Montgomery Hall are being regraded, followed by the installation of irrigation systems and landscaping.