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Welcome Center, First-Year Residence Hall, and Second-Year Residence hall
Mood-Bridwell Renovation
Projected Completion: Summer 2025
Mood-Bridwell Hall, built in 1908 to serve as a men’s residence hall, is undergoing an extensive renovation that will blend 21st-century technology with the building’s deep history. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, the renovated Mood-Bridwell will include spaces for gatherings and performances, new classrooms, and a coffeehouse. The south-facing upper terrace will also be reopened for outdoor classroom use and social gatherings. A “swing space” in Mundy was created for faculty and staff temporarily displaced by the project. The Upward Bound program was also permanently relocated to Mundy.
Updates:
- Linbeck, the construction management firm, mobilized on the site during the week of Sept. 18, 2023.
- Kitchell has been selected as the Project Management Firm.
- The guaranteed maximum price has been finalized.
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Spring 2024:
- The furniture selection process was initiated, and faculty voted on office options.
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June 2024:
- Building Information Modeling (BIM) completed. BIM is the computer modeling of the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire sprinkler piping, ductwork, and equipment. Installation of these systems has started and is ongoing.
- The annex structure is ongoing, steel erection started in June.
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July 2024:
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough in is ongoing throughout all levels. Mechanical rough includes hangers, ductwork, HVAC Equipment, refrigerant and condensate piping, and chilled water supply and return piping. Electrical rough includes conduit, junction boxes and panels for electrical power and lighting, boxes for receptacles, light switches, data, A/V, fire and life safety devices. Plumbing rough includes sanitary and waste vent piping, cleanouts and floor drains, storm drain piping, and domestic water lines.
- Interior insulation and drywall have begun throughout levels one and two.
- Foundation piers and caps have been poured. Structural steel columns, beams and decking are now being erected at the annex addition.
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August 2024:
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough in is ongoing.
- The structural steel erection for the annex is complete.
- Concrete has been poured and finished for levels 1 and 2 of the Annex.
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September 2024:
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough in is nearly complete throughout levels 1 and 2 and ongoing for level 3.
- Fire suppression systems installation is ongoing.
- Drywall and prime coat paint is complete on level 1 and ongoing on levels 2 and 3.
- The ceiling grid is being installed on level 1.
- Levels 1 and 2 restrooms are being prepped to receive ceilings and finishes.
- Flooring preparation has begun on all levels. Flooring will begin following primary power and HVAC start up.
- Structural steel erection and exterior framing for the annex is complete. Interior framing is ongoing.
- Window installation is ongoing.
- Primary power is scheduled to be complete by mid-September.
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October 2024
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough installation are nearly complete throughout all levels.
- Fire suppression systems and alarm installation is ongoing throughout all levels.
- Window installation is ongoing. Level 1 arch windows are expected to be onsite in mid-October for installation.
- The atrium’s existing skylights and roof have been demolished in preparation of the new skylight installation. Structural Steel for the atrium skylight is scheduled to begin by mid-October.
- The new transform and switchgear have been installed. Primary power is expected to be ready to turn on by early November.
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November 2024
- Skylight framing.
- Continuing interior finishes.
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December 2024
- Atrium skylight installation.
- Above ceiling mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are now pending final inspections, and ceilings have begun throughout all levels of the building.
- January 2025
- Flooring installation has begun.
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The tiling of restroom floors and walls is nearly complete on all levels of the building. Plumbing fixtures have been delivered and are scheduled to be installed in the coming weeks.
- The new Annex addition roofing, curtain wall window system, exterior building insulation, and soffits are complete. Scaffolding has been erected in preparation for the exterior stonework to begin.
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February 2025
- Bathrooms and third-floor offices near completion
- Atrium finishes near completion.
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March
- Coffee bar structural steel installation complete
- Terrace demo complete.
- On track for Summer 2025 completion.
Welcome Center, First-Year & Second-Year Residence Halls
Projected Completion: Spring 2026
On the east side of campus, construction will begin in March 2024 on a first-year, mixed-use residence hall and a new welcome center.
The Welcome Center will be the new home of the Office of Admission and Financial Aid. It will also include these amenities:
- Art Gallery
- Cafe
- Theatre
- Meeting spaces
First-Year Residence Hall Amenities:
- Study/lounge spaces
- Meeting rooms
- Yoga and pilates studios.
A new, mixed-use residence hall for second-year students will be located immediately south of Ruter Hall. Amenities will include:
- Study/lounge spaces.
- Meeting rooms.
Updates
- Kirksey has been selected as the architect.
- Linbeck has been selected as the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR).
- Kitchell has been selected as the Project Management Firm.
- GMP has been executed.
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February 2024
- On Feb. 8, HARC approved the demolition of Kyle E. White and McCook-Crain to make way for the new first-year residence hall and welcome center. Demolition is now complete. We have saved the cornerstones and some of the limestone for each building. The limestone and cornerstones will be added to the new historical displays in The Commons.
- Watch a video of the cornerstone removal and demolition.
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March 2024
- A student group attended a special furniture viewing to select furniture options for residence halls.
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May 2024
- Linbeck mobilized a job site trailer to the Welcome Center and First-Year Residence Hall site. Construction fencing has been installed around the Limits of Construction.
- Site Development Permit applications were submitted to the City of Georgetown for review.
- Building Permit applications were submitted to the City of Georgetown for review.
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June 2024
- Staking began for the Second-Year Residence Hall. Site development permit has been Issued.
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July 2024
- Site Preparation is Ongoing
- Construction fencing placed at the First-Year Residence Hall and Welcome Center limits of construction.
- Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) has been implemented at the First-Year Residence Hall and Welcome Center site, installation of silt fence is ongoing.
- Tree protection has been placed at the First-Year Residence Hall and Welcome Center site.
- Existing underground utilities have been located.
- Underground Building Information Modeling (BIM) coordination has begun for all buildings. Building footprints have been surveyed and staked in preparation for earthwork and new underground utilities at all buildings.
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August 2024:
- Excavation has begun at the Welcome Center in preparation for concrete foundations.
- Utility excavation for the Welcome Center and First-Year Residence Hall has begun.
- Underground utility materials have been procured and delivered to the project site.
- Site preparation is ongoing at the first and second-year residence hall sites.
- Electrical activities have begun in preparation of relocating the existing transformer that will serve the Welcome Center and the First-Year Residence Hall.
- Construction fencing has been placed around the Second-Year Residence Hall.
- Underground Building Information Modeling (BIM) coordination is ongoing and nearly complete.
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September 2024
- Welcome Center foundation pad is ongoing and is nearly completion.
- Welcome Center foundation piers are scheduled to begin in early September.
- Underground utilities are ongoing for the Welcome Center and First-Year Residence Hall site.
- The existing transformer relocation is ongoing and is scheduled to be relocated in September. Relocating the existing transformer will make way for the First-Year Residence Hall foundation scope to begin.
- The existing gas line is being rerouted to make way for the site clearing at the Second-Year Residence Hall.
- The utility contractor is scheduled to begin site clearing at the Second-Year Residence Hall Site in early September.
- Second-Year Residence Hall utilities are scheduled to begin in mid-September.
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October 2024
- Welcome Center foundation pad and piers are complete.
- Welcome Center grade beams are ongoing.
- Welcome Center underground building utilities are ongoing.
- The Welcome Center and First-Year Residence Hall underground site utilities are ongoing.
- The new field house parking lot entrance is complete.
- Second-Year Residence Hall site utilities are ongoing.
- Second-Year Residence Hall building foundation is scheduled to begin by the end of October.
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November 2024
- Welcome Center slab will be poured.
- Welcome Center steel erections will begin.
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December 2024
- Welcome Center structural steel framing and detailing is ongoing.
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January 2025
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First-Year Residence Hall
underground plumbing and electrical systems are complete. The building foundation is now being formed and will begin reinforcing this month in preparation for the slab on grade concrete to be poured by late January to early February.
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Second-Year Residence Hall underground plumbing and electrical system installation is ongoing. The south end of the building foundation is scheduled to be poured by late January to early February.
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First-Year Residence Hall
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February 2025
- Welcome Center mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installation on the first floor
- Welcome Center’s second-floor interior framing work is ongoing.
- First-year Resience Hall first-floor steel framing is erect, and floor work is beginning.
- Second-Year Residence Hall concert slab to be poured this month.
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March
- Welcome Center exterior sheathing complete and waterproofing wrap installation beginning.
- Welcome Center ceiling framing installation is beginning, and drywall is being installed.
- Welcome Center’s second-floor interior framing and drywall installation are continuing.
- Two floors of prefabricated metal walls were installed, and exterior sheathing and waterproofing wrap were installed in the First-Year Residence Hall.
- First-Year Resicne Hall third floor concert pour complete.
- Second-Year Residence Hall first-floor framing complete.
- The second-floor concert is to be poured this month at the Second-Year Residence Hall.
Parking
Although we are excited to see new construction on our campus, it often affects parking. Stay up to date with the most recent parking changes.
* Dates are subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen delays.
Lots Currently Open:
- Cullen Building/Admission Center Parking Lot
- Field House Parking Lot
- Fine Arts Center Parking Lot
- Lord Residential Center Parking Lot
- Maple Street Parking
- McCombs Campus Center Parking Lot
- Parking North of Moses Field
- South Mundy Parking Lot
- Softball Parking Lot
- Robertson Center / Brown-Cody Parking Lot
- Soule Drive Parking
- Southwestern Boulevard Parking
Lots Currently Closed or Partially Closed:
- Dorothy Lord Residential Center Parking Lot: Closed
- Finch Plaza (Chapel Parking Lot): Partially Closed
- Maple Street Field Parking Lot: Closed
- Tennis Court Parking Lot: Intermittent Closures on the North Side, Closed on the South Side
- West Mundy/Studio Parking Lot: Partially Closed
ADA Accessible Parking & Routes
No accessible parking spaces have been eliminated. If accessible parking spots or routes become blocked by construction, new temporary spots and routes will be created to replace them. Please reach out to Facilities Management at 512.863.1300 if you have any questions or concerns about accessible parking or routes.
Other Ongoing Projects
New Restaurant
Scheduled Completion: 2025
A new restaurant, The Perch, will take over the former Pirate’s Tavern/Outreach Center at 1205 Maple. The Perch is an American eatery specializing in traditional farmhouse cuisine with a contemporary twist. Guests can also enjoy hand-crafted cocktails, an extensive wine selection, and a variety of local beers.
Updates:
- Houses on the property were saved and relocated.
- Demolition is complete on the Outreach Center.
- The PUD amendment was unanimously passed by the city council on March 28 and the restaurateurs are moving forward with permitting.
- Meetings with the architect will commence in the next few weeks.
- The restaurant is still on schedule to be completed by the second or third quarter of 2025.
New Multi-purpose Sports Complex
Scheduled Completion: TBD
In partnership with Athletics, Facilities Management is making preparations to build a new multi-purpose sports complex and stadium on the site of the current football practice field east of campus. The complex will not only serve as a venue for athletic events but also other large events.
Updates:
- Geotech and site surveys are complete and in hand.
- Design work proposals in review.
Maple Street Parking Lot
Scheduled Completion: May 2025
To accommodate parking for the new restaurant and increase parking for our campus community, Southwestern will build a new parking lot on Maple Street.
Updates:
- The parking lot material has been updated to asphalt, and the design has been adjusted accordingly. We are now awaiting the construction cost estimate.
Recently Completed Projects
Library Updates - Phase 2
We enhanced and repaired the windows on the Cody Memorial side of the library. These upgrades are crucial for safeguarding the valuable items within our Distinctive Collections from external elements. We are also made cosmetic updates to the 2nd and 3rd floors of Cody Memorial.
Learning Commons
We are thrilled to introduce the new Professor John Score Learning Commons, a dynamic hub for academic support and collaboration at Southwestern University. Located within the Smith Library Center, this innovative space will bring together the Debby Ellis Writing Center and the Tutoring Center, providing a centralized resource for student learning and success.
Chilled Water Loop & Chilled Water Plant
Phase 1 of the chilled water looped and chilled water plant updates and upgrades are now complete. This work is intended to enhance the reliability and consistency of cooling across campus buildings.
Chiller installation in March 2024
Campus Store Relocation
Southwestern University is excited to announce a new partnership with Barnes & Noble, marking a significant enhancement to our campus bookstore services. In the summer of 2024, the Campus Store was relocated to a newly remodeled space on the first floor of the McCombs Campus Center. The Shilling Rooms were transformed to accommodate the campus store, ensuring a dynamic and accessible location for our university merchandise and academic resources.
Library Reveling
The releveling project addressed the shifting of the foundation under the Cody Memorial/Distinctive Collections side of the Smith Library Center. The university took advantage of the closure to make a number of upgrades, including the repair of damaged interior walls and upgrades to interior finishes. The air conditioning system was replaced to maintain the appropriate temperature and humidity for items preserved in Distinctive Collections.
The Cove Decor
A Student Task Force created a new decor design for The Cove. Their design aimed to capture the cozy, warm atmosphere our students enjoy. Enhancements include new furniture, the restoration of the beloved booths, and a wall wrap.
The Commons
The Commons has undergone a transformation with new wraps and acrylics, creating a welcoming environment wherever you turn.
McCombs Campus Center Pergola
With the loss of the large oak tree near McComb’s south entrance—damaged beyond repair during our most recent winter ice storm—we created a new, covered outdoor seating area.
Pickleball Courts
Pickelball Courts located in the First-Year Courtyard and the McCombs Residential Center are not just your ordinary playing grounds; they are adorned with vibrant SU yellow court paint, equipped with lights to facilitate evening games for students, and thoughtfully designed with ramps to ensure accessibility for all, in line with ADA guidelines.
Robertson Center Upgrades and Additions
In Robertson, student-athletes will benefit from a women’s locker room upgrade, a new team meeting room, and an audio/video studio.
New Servery in the Commons
The newly refreshed Commons Servery features fresh, modern aesthetics and a completely reimagined dining hall.
The Servery features an open-concept kitchen, and the space has been opened up with the expansion of the entryway to the Commons dining area. The Servery also features an impressive brick oven, where specialty pizzas are created using dough made in-house. A revamped sauté station includes enhanced displays and made-to-order, personalized dishes. The breakfast bar has also undergone an expansion, offering a variety of choices including waffles, cereals, and a constant flow of freshly brewed coffee—available during all open hours to cater to different schedules. The dessert section, previously tucked away, is now displayed upfront, offering an array of sweet treats.
Baseball Field Seating
New seating has been installed at Rockwall Family Baseball Field to provide a more comfortable in-game experience for fans.
Chapel Window Light
The light has been restored to the Chapel windows! Once again the beautiful stained glass can be seen at night.
Bishops Lounge
Bishop’s Lounge is once again a true lounge space, with areas to relax, visit, study, or play a rousing game of ping pong. Electrical outlets have been fixed so students can use them to plug in laptops and other electronic devices.
Other Recently Completed Projects
