July 2026 Campus Construction Updates
Progress continues across campus as summer construction and renovation projects move forward. Here’s a snapshot of what’s taking shape on Bison Hill this month.
Raley Chapel Exterior
Work continues at a steady pace around Raley Chapel as the surrounding landscape begins to take shape. Over the past several weeks, stonework at water feature 4 has been completed and two significant campus landmarks have returned with the installation of the Dr. John Wesley Raley statue on Chapel Plaza and the cross monument, donated by the Class of 2001, on the south end of the Raley lawn.
Infrastructure work also continues across the site. In-ground rough-in for water feature piping is underway on the east side of the project, while the main sidewalks forming the Ichthus on the southern portion of the site are now complete. Fine grading is underway, with sod installation expected to follow soon. Upcoming work includes concrete installation for the new north parking lot and continued construction on water feature 3.
Raley Chapel Interior
Construction crews continue making progress throughout the interior of Raley Chapel.
In the east wing, painting is underway on both floors. Wall tile installation in the new restrooms will begin in the coming weeks, while ceiling grid installation continues in the choir room.
In the west wing by the Raley Drawing Room, sheetrock taping and bedding are underway in the restrooms, while overhead mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-in continues in the hallway and inside the Drawing Room.
In the south lobby, insulation, in-wall rough-in, and overhead rough-in for the new restrooms are progressing, with ceiling construction scheduled to follow.
Inside Potter Auditorium, final painting of the catwalks is ongoing. Work continues in the balcony with ceiling framing and fire suppression, electrical and HVAC rough-in. Scaffolding is being lowered to allow construction of the acoustical cloud ceiling framing. This feature will help manage sound while concealing catwalks and theatrical lighting during performances.
Wall reinforcement to provide additional structural support around the stained-glass window openings is scheduled to begin soon, while restoration of the stained-glass windows continues.
Stained Glass Restoration
Restoration of the Raley Chapel stained-glass windows continues on schedule at Willet Stained Glass Studios, with work taking place across multiple Willet restoration facilities throughout the country. The windows remain on track for completion and return to Bison Hill later this fall.
Geiger Center
As construction continues around Raley Chapel, the west entrance to the Geiger Center will remain closed while grounds work progresses and landscaping is installed over the coming months.
On the north side of the Geiger Center, new loading docks and a trash and recycling enclosure are being built. The project is expected to be completed before the start of the fall semester.
Bailey Business Center
Renovations to Room 214 in Bailey Business Center are complete, creating two new faculty offices to meet the needs of continued enrollment growth.
Mabee Learning Center
Work continues on the Mabee Learning Center lobby renovation. Demolition of the previous check-in desk and wooden computer stations has been completed. Flooring updates are nearing completion, and new LED lighting has been installed, creating a brighter, more welcoming space.
Renovation of the Pottawatomie-Lincoln Baptist Association space on the third floor of the Mabee Learning Center has been completed. OBU looks forward to continuing its partnership with the association as it serves churches across Pottawatomie and Lincoln counties and welcomes guests to campus.
Noble Complex
Renovations to the ESSR and volleyball offices are complete. Updated lighting, fresh paint and new flooring have created a more inviting space for prospective students, current students, student-athletes and their families.
Cosmetic improvements also continue in the south hallways and south stairwell of the Noble Complex, with new lighting installation and updated paint on the first floor outside the weight room.
Kerr Residence Center
Renovation of the first-floor residence hall rooms in Kerr Residence Center is nearing completion. Updated lighting has been installed and crews are completing final items.
Taylor Residence Center
Suite-style residence hall rooms in Taylor Residence Center are receiving a cosmetic refresh this summer. Every room will feature updated paint and flooring designed to match the renovated hallways and common spaces. Work on the project is currently underway.