Ok, so what is going in by the Huff? I hear it's a pool, and I hear it's a power plan. What is it? Also, what about the area by subway? Any plans for that yet?

By Huff is the new chill plant, replacing the one that has long been up Jenkins near Boyd (if my memory is not totally blown)

The Jenkins/Lindsey corner is now owned by OU, but what'll happen there is on hold (this also is if my memory is not totally blown)

Is there still anything about a pool? I keep hearing about a pool, but I can't find any recent literature about it.

Last I heard, plans for a new swim complex have been shelved.

There was going to be an indoor waterpark, but it never advanced beyond being a pie in the sky. OU has put a lot of building projects on hold particularly for housing--if it weren't for the recession, you would be amazed at the amount of construction underway at the moment. What we could really use is a sugar daddy to keep us cash positive and moving forward, like that other school..

When I went to school there they had the students vote for the water park, I remembered that I voted no and so did the majority. I think they were going to hike up a big fee to the students for it and we didnt like that. The fee for the huff is was really ridiculous for the value i thought. Huff is the best fitness facility in the state that I have ever seen, but not worth the effort to get there.

Huff is the best fitness facility in the state that I have ever seen, but not worth the effort to get there.

Huff is the worst fitness facility in the state that I have ever seen, but still worth the effort to get there if you're trying to get in shape.

You should check out the Colvin Center (OSU) and the Collins Center (TU), both of which blow our rec center out of the water. THAT is why they put the indoor waterpark out there, to upgrade the status of the rec center and give it something sexy to brag about along the likes of these other amazing rec centers popping up all over the country now.

I voted no also, but the majority voted yes...I think it passed because around 52% voted yes. I heard the swimming pool thing will still happen, but it will be a scaled down version, not what was presented to students.

I voted no also, but the majority voted yes...I think it passed because around 52% voted yes. I heard the swimming pool thing will still happen, but it will be a scaled down version, not what was presented to students.

This is what I heard as well...It did pass with a majority in favor. I voted yes when I was a student, but the the swimming pool they plan on building at some point is a scaled down version of what we voted for.

This is what I heard as well...It did pass with a majority in favor. I voted yes when I was a student, but the the swimming pool they plan on building at some point is a scaled down version of what we voted for.

The fee remains the same though, right?

I heard the transit department wants to build an elevated monorail from Lloyd Noble Center thru south campus, dorms, etc all the way to the Bizzel Library. Anyone know when its supposed to be up an running? First I heard of it was about 2 years ago from a route planner in the CART office.

someone has been watching old Simpson reruns!


I heard the transit department wants to build an elevated monorail from Lloyd Noble Center thru south campus, dorms, etc all the way to the Bizzel Library. Anyone know when its supposed to be up an running? First I heard of it was about 2 years ago from a route planner in the CART office.

The Jenkins area is supposed to be the new athletic dorms, coupled with honors dorms (to meet ncaa regs). Since the foundation owns the land, and not the university there is a chance that o'connells could remain in the area as a first floor tenant of the new condos. At least this was what I heard from O'Connells owner.

The Jenkins area is supposed to be the new athletic dorms, coupled with honors dorms (to meet ncaa regs). Since the foundation owns the land, and not the university there is a chance that o'connells could remain in the area as a first floor tenant of the new condos. At least this was what I heard from O'Connells owner.

That would make me very happy. When in school I never really got the attraction of The Mont, but I was, and remain, a fan of what O'Connell's has carried on at the Lindsey location. I've love for it to remain.

I am a fan as well. It's vastly different from the Campus Corner location, in menu and patrons. I prefer the Lindsey street. Plus, it's the only bar around me!

OU President David Boren said the university plans to build new Sooner Housing dorms in the approximate 2.2-acre space, which will be mixed with athletes and non-athletes, and tear down the Jefferson and Jones dorms, which sit across Lindsey Street from the future development.

http://normantranscript.com/headlines/x511768919/OU-buys-land-for-future-development

So, the Sooner Center Housing will definitely be on the SE corner of Lindsey & Jenkins and it looks like they may include retail on the ground level. Elsewhere, the complex has been described as "mid-rise" with a central dining and computer lab.

The other projects on the immediate list (gleaned from reading the regent's minutes) are:

Four Partners Place in the south research campus ($48 million)
Improvements to both the softball and baseball complexes (about $4 million each)
Stuart Wing, Fred Jones Art Center (about $11 million and already underway)
Armory Renovation ($12 million -- I think this has already started?)

Two big projects are wrapping up and should be complete by summer:

Gould Hall ($33 million)
Zarrow Hall ($12 million)

So, the Sooner Center Housing will definitely be on the SE corner of Lindsey & Jenkins and it looks like they may include retail on the ground level. Elsewhere, the complex has been described as "mid-rise" with a central dining and computer lab.

The other projects on the immediate list (gleaned from reading the regent's minutes) are:

Four Partners Place in the south research campus ($48 million)
Improvements to both the softball and baseball complexes (about $4 million each)
Stuart Wing, Fred Jones Art Center (about $11 million and already underway)
Armory Renovation ($12 million -- I think this has already started?)

Two big projects are wrapping up and should be complete by summer:

Gould Hall ($33 million)
Zarrow Hall ($12 million)

There is also the Central Plant under construction north of the Huffman Center. After that is finished (next year) they will start the new aquatics center and Huffman expansion. The total cost for both projects is over $100 million. With the new housing at Lindsey & Jenkins and the Huffman projects that will be a busy place for a few years.

I don't know of any other projects on the horizon. I have heard Goddard Health Center is slated to be replaced with a new building at some point, and some of the older buildings like Bizzell Library will see renovations. I know OU wants a new science lab building on campus, not sure if they would build a new building or renovate an existing one like GL Cross.

from the jan regents meeting... it looks like the demolition will start very soon and the constrution will come right after with completion set for fall 2013 also of note is that final plans will be unveiled at the march meeting

AGENDA ITEM 19
ISSUE: SOONER CENTER STUDENT HOUSING – NC
ACTION PROPOSED:
President Boren recommends the Board of Regents:
I. Approve an initial guaranteed maximum price of $2,400,000 for demolition,
excavation and site development related improvements; and
II. Recognize and acknowledge that the University may incur certain costs relative to
the above project prior to receipt of bond proceeds and, to the extent the
University utilizes its own funds for said costs, it is intended that bond proceeds
will be utilized to reimburse the University.
BACKGROUND AND/OR RATIONALE:
At the May 2008 meeting and with each subsequently approved Campus Master Plan
of Capital Improvement Projects for the Norman Campus, the Board of Regents has approved
the Sooner Center Student Housing project. In May 2010, the Board approved the project with
an estimated total project cost of $75,000,000.
Design development plans are being prepared by the project architects, Studio
Architects, and it is anticipated that the Board will be requested to approve the project design in
March 2011. The center, to be located at the southeast corner of Jenkins Avenue and Lindsey
Street, will house students and student athletes in a combination of two- and four-bed units
totaling approximately 380 beds. The building is planned to be a mid-rise structure, with central
dining, computer labs, study rooms, and other support facilities on the ground floor. The project
will also include a Faculty-In-Residence apartment.
At the September 2010 meeting, the Board ranked Flintco, LLC of Oklahoma City
first among firms considered to provide at-risk construction management services for the project.
Flintco, LLC (the “CM”) has assisted in organizing the project construction sequence and
preparing a master schedule for construction, and has provided a guaranteed maximum price
proposal for initial demolition, excavation and site development related work. A guaranteed
maximum price of $2,400,000 is proposed for this initial work. This price includes the cost of
demolition and construction; the CM’s direct project management services; the CM’s fee, bonds
and project-related insurance; and an owner’s contingency. It is anticipated that the Board will
be asked to approve incremental increases to the guaranteed maximum price as construction
documents for the remainder of the project construction elements are finalized.
Demolition will commence directly, with the goal for project completion in fall 2013.
Funding for this phase of the project has been identified, is available and budgeted within
Athletics Department capital accounts.

So, the Sooner Center Housing will definitely be on the SE corner of Lindsey & Jenkins and it looks like they may include retail on the ground level. Elsewhere, the complex has been described as "mid-rise" with a central dining and computer lab.

The other projects on the immediate list (gleaned from reading the regent's minutes) are:

Four Partners Place in the south research campus ($48 million)
Improvements to both the softball and baseball complexes (about $4 million each)
Stuart Wing, Fred Jones Art Center (about $11 million and already underway)
Armory Renovation ($12 million -- I think this has already started?)

Two big projects are wrapping up and should be complete by summer:

Gould Hall ($33 million)
Zarrow Hall ($12 million)

How on earth did Gould Hall cost $33M?

How on earth did Gould Hall cost $33M?

It's expensive to remediate asebestos in a 108,000 SF building, take it down to the steel structure including replacing all of the extensive brickwork, placing all new interior finishes, windows, roofing and HVAC/lighting systems, and building 25,000 SF worth of new additions including a larger subterranean level under the gallery. For what they did to the existing building they could've torn it down and started over, but that was before they added a lot of scope to the project such as replacing the brick which was an almost $1 million increase..

Well, I take back my comments about possibly slowing down on construction for a while!

But I don't get why a 380 bed dorm -- even with the additional amenities -- is going to cost $75 million. Especially since they've already bought the land (or perhaps they are including that in the cost estimate?).

I could be wrong but I believe that a good portion of the new dorm space will be reserved for OU students who are on academic scholarships. I have been told these new dorms will be used as a academic recruiting tool.
I have heard limited details about the OU baseball park improvements, but as an OU baseball season ticket holder I would like to see a link detailing the plans. I have not yet been able to find anything in print.
I have heard LDM plans include the installation of green chair backs seats for the entire stadium and a new back stop.

I hope they do something to slow the wind from wiping though the stadium.:bright_id

Well, I take back my comments about possibly slowing down on construction for a while!

But I don't get why a 380 bed dorm -- even with the additional amenities -- is going to cost $75 million. Especially since they've already bought the land (or perhaps they are including that in the cost estimate?).

that is a great ? pete ... it will be very interesting to see the final design later this month

that is a great ? pete ... it will be very interesting to see the final design later this month

Agree. I am hoping for mixed-use, with retail space at street level and residential units above. It could set a precedent for future redevelopment of Cate Center, which I know OU has been interested in replacing.

I worked on a project in arch school where the South Oval was extended through Cate Center to connect to the Walker-Adams Mall between the towers with new student housing on both sides. It would be cool if something like that was actually built, with student-oriented retail space along Lindsey.

Love that idea BG918!

Clearly something has to be done to greatly expand student housing if the university is going to continue to grow. The other option would be to build towers south of Huston Huffman and/or replace Cross Center.

These 380 beds will not do much in that regard. That's only about half of what is in Walker Tower alone.

I'll take some pics soon. Collings Hall looks finished. Gould Hall is almost finished (landscaping underway). Zarrow Hall is wrapping up on the exterior. The art museum addition is finishing up. The south campus energy plant is progressing nicely.

Looks like the next round of construction will be the aquatics center (which will connect to the Huffman Center) and the midrise student housing at Lindsey & Jenkins. After that I have heard the following but am not certain:
- New student housing south of Lindsey (where the quads are north of the dorms)
- New student health center replacing Goddard at Elm & Brooks
- Remodel of GL Cross/Richardson Halls into new science quad on the south oval
- Remodel of Bizzell Library
- Remodel of Dale Hall to match look of Gaylord across the oval on Lindsey
- New parking garage at Jenkins & Page
- New engineering/technology building at Jenkins & Brooks (NE corner)
- Expansion at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium

Expansion at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium

I can tell you that is not on the short list.

I'll take some pics soon. Collings Hall looks finished. Gould Hall is almost finished (landscaping underway). Zarrow Hall is wrapping up on the exterior. The art museum addition is finishing up. The south campus energy plant is progressing nicely.

Looks like the next round of construction will be the aquatics center (which will connect to the Huffman Center) and the midrise student housing at Lindsey & Jenkins. After that I have heard the following but am not certain:
- New student housing south of Lindsey (where the quads are north of the dorms)
- New student health center replacing Goddard at Elm & Brooks
- Remodel of GL Cross/Richardson Halls into new science quad on the south oval
- Remodel of Bizzell Library
- Remodel of Dale Hall to match look of Gaylord across the oval on Lindsey
- New parking garage at Jenkins & Page
- New engineering/technology building at Jenkins & Brooks (NE corner)
- Expansion at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium

Interesting list. It would be impressive to see Dale Hall remodeled to match Gaylord. Collings Hall is finished. I had a class there last semester. They made some nice additions, but it's remodel is nowhere near the calibre of what I thought it'd be.

Any idea when the aquatics center is supposed to start?

Are they going to knock down the ugly Landscape Dept biulding north of Huff? Looks like an old stable and full of asbestos.

KFOR ch4 has been showing helicopter shots of the O’Connell’s demolition.

Are they going to knock down the ugly Landscape Dept biulding north of Huff? Looks like an old stable and full of asbestos.

That building does need to go.

That building does need to go.

I don't think there are any plans for that building. It will continue to be used by OU maintenance/landscaping.

I don't think there are any plans for that building. It will continue to be used by OU maintenance/landscaping.
A short term solution would be to do some heavy planting of trees and bushes to mask the building on most sides.

That biulding is full of asbestes. Broken tiles on the floor, and a sign on the exaust fan on the ceiling. "Do not turn on due to asbestes"
On another subject, I was told they are going to demolish the 100 block of Krettli apartments due to outdated electrics and air/heat issues. I do not know the time frame.

A short term solution would be to do some heavy planting of trees and bushes to mask the building on most sides.Dont think thats going to happen, but they are planting between 70 and 80 trees Monday at Krettli and Gymnatics.

This is what's replacing O'Connell's:
http://newsok.com/feed/ou-regents-approve-student-housing-center-designs/article/3551574?custom_click=pod_headline_news

...
On another subject, I was told they are going to demolish the 100 block of Krettli apartments due to outdated electrics and air/heat issues. I do not know the time frame.

The sooner, the better. Those were a bit sketchy 25 years ago.

Very nice :)

Any idea what they are going to do with the land south of the duck pond where the mosque was torn down?

Any idea what they are going to do with the land south of the duck pond where the mosque was torn down?

It will be a new, larger mosque.

http://routes.ou.edu/story.php?storyID=348

Thank you BG.

As for the old O'Connells, it's amazing...finally some housing at OU that looks like it will last longer than 20 years, but I could be wrong.

I wish they would have designed all the new biuldings like the old library, or Evans Hall.

As for the old O'Connells, it's amazing...finally some housing at OU that looks like it will last longer than 20 years, but I could be wrong.

You aren't. This is going to be a 100-year building.

As for the old O'Connells, it's amazing...finally some housing at OU that looks like it will last longer than 20 years, but I could be wrong.

Hopefully this is the first phase of a larger plan to replace the Cate Center housing south of Lindsey with similar buildings in a similar style.

I could see that, with the way that the South Oval is certainly getting an upgrade all around. I used to almost have to close my eyes when I was walking to a class there...it's like the center of the universe for awful architecture.

Has anyone besides me heard a rumor that they are going to connect IMHOF to Constitution?

Has anyone besides me heard a rumor that they are going to connect IMHOF to Constitution?

what do you mean with a curve? ..

Had not heard that before. Not a bad idea though.

I was told (by no one offically) that once the 100 block of Kratlli Apartments are gone, Imhoff will curve to the NE, just past Gymnatics and tie into a widend Constitution.

I was told (by no one offically) that once the 100 block of Kratlli Apartments are gone, Imhoff will curve to the NE, just past Gymnatics and tie into a widend Constitution.

interesting .. that would be cool ... having those 2 intersections that close doesn't make much sense ..

regarding the new central plant... is the plan to move the existing physical plant to this new location near the huston huffman? -M

regarding the new central plant... is the plan to move the existing physical plant to this new location near the huston huffman? -M

The one on Jenkins? It will remain and still be the main central plant for the campus. The new south central plant will allow OU to construct more buildings since they are currently nearly maxed out with the existing plant. It is also a key component of the Huffman expansion/aquatics center.

that's the one. thanks for the info! -M

Any timeframe on when the new aquatics center will break ground?

Any timeframe on when the new aquatics center will break ground?

Unfortunately, it's been put on hold indefinitely.

Unfortunately, it's been put on hold indefinitely.

I know they are still working on fundraising for it. The central plant has to be complete before they can build the aquatics center or the new Sooner Center dorms.

The regents just approved (May 2011) a new Capital Project Plan.

The way they list things out, it's hard to tell what is complete, what's under construction and what has yet to commence.

These are fully funded projects below... Can anyone comment on the status (i.e. yet to start, under construction or complete)?

Wellness & Fitness (Aquatics) Center $38.5 million
Huston Huffman addition and locker room renovation $10 million
Student housing renovation $111 million (I know they've done some work but is it complete?)
Research Campus buildings #4 & #5 $39 & $27 million
Utility Plant #4 $72 million
Hester Hall renovation $6 million


Also, in case you weren't aware, Gould Hall is relatively complete and they are starting to move back into it. And Zarrow Hall is pretty much finished as well.