Campus Construction Updates
April 30, 2025
Here’s the latest on OBU’s ongoing construction projects and campus enhancements, including updates for Shawnee Hall, Raley Chapel, Thurmond Hall, Montgomery Hall, the Mabee Learning Center, The Oval and recent tree planting efforts. Thanks again to OBU Project Manager Ryan Grider for providing these updates!
Shawnee Hall
Construction at Shawnee Hall continues to advance quickly. Window installation is complete and interior framing is nearing completion. The entire first floor has been sheet-rocked, bedded and taped. Wall texture samples were approved and hand texturing on the first floor is now complete. Wall tile in the bathrooms on the first floor is also nearing completion. Plumbing, electrical and HVAC rough-in work are nearing completion and sheetrock, bed, tape and texture work will continue the second floor. Third-floor plumbing, electrical and HVAC work also continue.
On the building exterior, the brick veneer on the parapet wall is approaching completion. Brick veneer installation on the east and west additions will begin in the coming weeks. Construction on the south porch is ongoing and progressing. The glass fiber-reinforced concrete cornice installation is underway and is on track to be completed by mid-June.
Lingo Construction and OBU Personnel are still tracking a completion date of late summer. The building is still on schedule to be open for business at the start of the Fall semester of 2025.
Raley Chapel
Stone restoration and sealing continue at Raley Chapel with scaffolding expected to be completely removed soon. Once the scaffolding is down, roof tile installation will resume.
OBU Administration is finalizing construction documents and details with the design team regarding site work around Raley Chapel and interior renovations.
Thurmond Hall
Demolition of the second and third floors of Thurmond Hall has begun, marking significant progress in the renovation. Asbestos assessment and abatement is underway and we are looking forward to the interior framing layout beginning in the next couple of months.
In addition, the bison statue was added to the landscaping at the front of Thurmond Hall, capping off the landscape renovation process of this space.
Montgomery Hall
Renovation work continues in Montgomery Hall, where second-floor hallways and common areas have been repainted. New exterior building signage has been installed and the second-floor interior received campus standard signage also.
Mabee Learning Center
Interior cosmetic updates have been completed at the Mabee Learning Center, giving the space a refreshed look. Thank you to everyone for your patience throughout this project.
The Oval
Landscape updates for The Oval were completed in time for the Green and Gold Gala. During this project much needed irrigation repairs were made to the planting beds around the fountain, dead plant material was removed and replaced and stone edging to match the campus standard were installed. Updated plantings and edging were added to the south entrance to The Oval as well. This will help tie these spaces into the surrounding landscapes that have been updated around campus.
Tree Planting
Several new trees have been planted on campus over the past few weeks. The OBU Grounds staff is working diligently to restore and enhance our campus landscapes. Spaces where trees have been added include the lawn south of Agee, The Oval and the lawn south of WMU. Tree planting will continue at The Lodge, Kerr and The Noble Complex in the upcoming weeks.
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm as we work to shape the future of OBU! Stay tuned for more updates as these projects progress.