Described as “nostalgic” at best and “elderly” at worst, residents of Dawson and Allen often felt their residence hall was more like Grandma’s house than a college dorm. But after 60 years of housing Baylor students, Grandma’s place just got a $44 million facelift, and probably even a handful of organ transplants.
Browsing: Allen and Dawson Residence Halls
For those who have lived in Dawson and Allen, the renovation is very welcome. Houston senior Natalie French gave an example of just how old the dorms really are.
“A girl and I lived down the hall from each other [in Dawson], and her Grandma went to Baylor, and she lived in Dawson. When she walked in, she goes, ‘Oh my gosh, it looks the exact same!””
Nichole Bekken, project manager of construction services, said she began planning for the $7.5 million renovation of both Allen and Dawson halls following the Board of Regents budget approval for the year in May. She said she is focused on creating community spaces that will enhance the connections between the LEAD Living-Learning Community—which is the community currently in Dawson—and the IMPACT LLC, following a fall 2022 merger of the two.
The Board of Regents approved two new degree programs, three renovation projects and the 2023-2024 budget during its annual May meeting Friday. It also elected new leadership.