Campus News

Excavation of Ornelas Student Center begins

MARSHALL, Texas (2/01/10)-The demolition of Merle Bruce Hall is complete and excavation of the Ornelas Student Center (OSC) site will begin soon. East Texas Baptist University President Dub Oliver projected the building’s completion by the end of the year.

According to Oliver, once the excavation is finished, the foundation for the new student center will be laid. Then the steel framework will be erected this semester and is hopefully concluding in May.

Oliver hopes to commemorate the event with a "topping off” ceremony. Students will be able to sign or leave message on the final, highest piece of steel before it is put in place.

The design of the OSC is a two-story building covering approximately 32,000 square feet. It will have an estimated 3,000 square-foot balcony outside the second story.

The architectural style of the student center will mirror Marshall Hall, such as the corners of the building, windows and pillars. The front of the building will extend over the current fire line curb of Mildred Woods Drive. Mildred Woods Drive will terminate at the central walkway, which passes between the OSC and Marshall Hall.

"This is to eliminate the crosswalk and increase safety for pedestrians," said Oliver.

The Student Center Building Committee and the ETBU Board of Trustees have approved the final interior design plans for the OSC.

In front of the north entrance will be a patio area for outdoor dining. A dining and gathering area will be located in the center of the first floor. The area features low dividing walls, soft seating and tables. In front of the dining area and include a stage for acoustic performances, karaoke or poetry slams. A coffee shop and a small deli will be adjacent to the main dining area.

A multi-purpose room with seating for approximately 32 people will also be located on the first floor. Also included is a game room with two pool tables, two game consoles and café style tables with stools.

Amphitheater style steps will lead up to the south entrance. According to Oliver, this area could be used for small outdoor performances.

Near the south entrance will be a post office larger than our current one, offices for the Student Government Association and the Student Affairs suite.

An open staircase made of terrazzo will lead up to the second floor. The stairwell leads directly to the Great Room, which will be used for formal events. The room features a vaulted ceiling, wooden flooring and ornate light fixtures.

Connected to the Great Room is the Great Room 2, which allows for additional seating. The two rooms are divided by a wide row of wooden doors.

The second floor also includes a governance room to hold meetings for the Board of Trustees, SGA and faculty. A small sanctuary with stained glass windows and vaulted ceiling will also be on the second floor.

The current student center will be renamed "The Bennett Student Commons" and undergo renovations.

Changes proposed would expand the cafeteria to occupy the entire second floor. The bookstore would also grow to include the space left by the post office. Phillips dining hall will be relocated downstairs to replace the Student Affairs suite.



Read the ETBU Student Newspaper The Compass online by clicking on link.



The Compass