Imperative VIII
Construct useful and aesthetically pleasing physical spaces
Baylor is making it a priority to enhance community by improving the physical environment. In addition to creating green spaces and walking malls along the axes of campus, Baylor will renovate the student union building to provide more appropriate meeting venues for student groups, build the Stacy Riddle Forum, construct a new intramural fields complex for recreational activity and create a prayer garden suitably located within our campus perimeter. We will give increased attention to the aesthetic value of the campus, renovating the facades of buildings whose designs are dissonant with the rest of the campus and ensuring that the major entries to the campus, as well as streets, walking plazas, landscaping and works of art form a place that promotes community. In further recognition of the importance of physical space, parking facilities will be constructed at the perimeter of the campus to move vehicles more toward the edges of activity. To provide service to the local community and increase interaction across generations, Baylor will further develop for leisure and academic use the corridor along both sides of the Brazos River and construct a Baylor Retirement Village. Finally, Baylor will continue to develop venues that enhance life on campus and provide for major sports and other student life events.
Progress Summary
- Create green spaces and walking malls
A number of green spaces have been added throughout campus.
- Renovate the existing Student Union Building or construct a new Student Union Building
A proposal for the renovation and restoration of the Bill Daniel Student Center that will expand the building in its present location was submitted to the Strategic Planning Council. After deliberation, other alternatives such as the construction of a new Student Union Building are also being considered.
- Build the Stacy Riddle Forum
The Stacy Riddle Forum was opened in fall 2003 and is home to Baylor sororities.
- Construct a new intramural fields complex
The intramural fields complex was completed and ready for use in Fall 2003.
- Create a prayer garden
Three prayer gardens have been established on campus at the present time.
- Renovate facades of buildings
This project has yet to be initiated.
- Increased attention to landscaping and works of art
A great deal of attention is given to landscaping on all of the new major construction projects on campus.
- Construct parking facilities at the perimeter of the campus
The third of three new parking garages opened in Fall 2007.
- Further develop the leisure and academic corridors along both sides of the Brazos River
A new river walk along the Brazos River extending from the Ferrell Center to the existing river walk under I-35 was constructed by the City of Waco. The river walk opened in summer 2009.
- Construct a Baylor Retirement Village
This project has yet to be initiated.
- McMullen-Connally Faculty Center
The 10,900-square-foot facility opened in fall 2008 and showcases the McMullen-Connally Family Collection.