TRI-LAKES AREA — Just in time for the start of fall classes, Ouachita Baptist University completed the first phase in its $45 million north campus redevelopment.
The $26 million Student Village will house about 350 students in two residence halls encompassing 12 residentially scaled four-story houses.
"This housing is foremost for our students," said OBU President Dr. Rex Horne. "The students moving in for the first time are excited about this new adventure. Students who live here 25 years from now will still find this housing exceptional, beautiful and serviceable."
The 129,400-square-foot facilities include 92 private and semiprivate suites with amenities that include two first-floor lobbies and four upper-level terraces as well as study, fitness, theater and game rooms.
"It doesn't feel like a dorm because it's so homey," said Natalie Gregory, a junior from Jonesboro.
To make way for the new development, one-third of OBU's campus housing was torn down - Conger, Daniel and Earnest Bailey - all men's dorms.
Vice President for Administration Services Brett Powell said each house contains eight suites on four floors for 32 students.
"They contain two or four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a kitchenette," Powell said.
During the groundbreaking ceremony last fall, Horne announced that the inaugural house would be named for the Gosser House in honor of Dr. Bob and Marianne Gosser, members of the OBU classes of 1956 and 1955, respectively. The recognition was made possible through gifts from the Gossers' children and their spouses.
"Ouachita has been such an important part in my family's history, and I am excited that I get to live out that legacy," said junior Meg Gosser of Coppell, Texas, and a daughter of John Gosser.
During spring commencement, Horne announced that another house would be named in honor of Rosemary "Mom" Chu who retired in May after serving more than 42 years as the hall director of Frances Crawford West.
"This is the greatest honor," Chu said. "It is heaven on earth. This is my home. I'm going to tell the RAs to guard it. It's beyond anything I could have imagined. I'm so honored."
Another house has been named in honor of the Daniel family who helped provide funding for Daniel Hall, which was built in 1967.The hall was demolished earlier this year to make way for the new construction project.
Horne and the OBU Board of Trustees began discussions about the new housing facility in March 2007. Trustees approved a major bond issue to finance construction of the proposed capital improvements. Ground was broken on the project in September 2008.
Other campus improvements already completed include the new campus entrance and Ben and Betty Elrod Boulevard.
Phase two of the project includes construction of a third residence hall for 160 students, and a pedestrian bridge.
Also included is a new face to the Sturgis Physical Education Building, a pedestrian plaza, expanded student center, which includes a large student meeting space for concerts, movies and a food court, and a new fitness center. Phase two should be complete in July 2010.
The land the new facilities are on is part of a land swap between the university and the city of Arkadelphia. Powell said the area where the new street is built belonged to the city, and the city was interested in a piece of land OBU owned, so they swapped.
The city was interested in OBU's land for a future cultural center.
By the numbers26
The dollar amount, in millions, it cost to build the Student Village.
350
The number of students who can be housed in the Student Village.
129,400
The square footage of the facility.
1/3
The fraction of OBU campus housing torn down before the building of the new facility.
92
The number of private and semiprivate suites with amenities.
11
The number of months it took from groundbreaking to grand opening for the village.
Tri-Lakes, Pages 55 on 08/27/2009