Abigail Loop
Staff Writer
Baylor is set to undergo significant renovations that will transform a part of Fifth Street and Fountain Mall.
The renovations were made possible through money donated by Dr. Thomas J. Rosenbalm, Baylor alumnus.
According to a press release from Baylor Media Communications, Rosenbalm’s gift has an approximate worth of $8 million and was made in honor of his father and mother.
While project details are still in progress, Brian Nicholson, vice president of operations and facilities, said the project is looking to strengthen the beauty of Baylor’s campus.
“We’re looking to totally redo Fifth Street,” Nicholson said. “We want to put in a new street and just raise the grade and put in a new surface.”
Nicholson said the area soon to be worked is the closed road between 5th Street from the Bill Daniel Student Center down to the circular drive in front of the McMullen-Connally Faculty Center.
Along with 5th Street renovations, a new fountain will be added to campus, also a gift from Dr. Rosenbalm.
“The fountain location has yet to be decided but we’re thinking along Fountain Mall’s corridor,” Nicholson said.
Nicholson said design plans will be taking place this fall and construction will start during the spring semester and he hopes they will finish in the fall of 2015.
The Office of James Burnett Landscape Architecture has acquired the contract for the street renovations and fountain. Andrew Albers, vice president of OJB, said he believes this will be transformative for Baylor’s campus.
“It’ll just make for a nicer place,” Albers said. “We want people to enjoy the outdoor space.”
Nicholson said he wants the renovations and fountain addition to become a part of people’s favorite spots on campus.
“Over the years we’ve talked with faculty and students and it’s not classrooms that are their favorite spots on campus, it’s the places around campus,” Nicholson said.
