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 the campus and provide for major sports and other student life events.
Progress Summary
- Create green spaces and walking malls
Beginning in 2004, additional green spaces were added by replacing parking lots and razing former commercial buildings along I-35. Phase 1 of a new master plan for 5th Street and Fountain Mall was implemented in summer 2011. - 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, also are being considered.
- Build the Stacy Riddle Forum
The Stacy Riddle Forum 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. Additionally, studies have begun to evaluate additional areas on or around campus for more intramural fields.
- Create a prayer garden
Three prayer gardens have been established on campus.
- Renovate façades of buildings
This project has yet to be initiated.
- Increased attention to landscaping and works of art
A number of green spaces have been added in recent years. Attention has been given to landscaping on all major construction projects on campus. Colorful banners displaying the Baylor Institutional Mark and those for the various schools and colleges have been installed on campus to identify University spaces and support a sense of community.
- 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 landscape architect has been retained to develop a master plan that can be implemented over a number of years. This plan will include Waco Creek from the Baylor Sciences Building to the Brazos River. This plan will help connect campus to the completed Brazos River Walk, which extends from the Ferrell Center to downtown Waco.
- 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, showcases the McMullen-Connally Family Collection.
- Jay and Jenny Allison Indoor Practice Facility
The Jay and Jenny Allison Indoor Practice Facility was completed in August 2009.