O’Connell’s to close-OU to get new housing in 3 years

[Pete]

Pretty sure this project would not be funded completely by the AD since they will be sharing it with the larger university.

I know they have been soliciting donations for quite a while.

[ou48A]

I doubt the funding sources have changed very much.
On the very first post of this thread I posted this information

“The university hasn’t set a demolition date and still needs to raise about $40 million through private donations, he said. The rest of the money needed — about $50 million — will come from OU Athletic Department and housing bond dollars.”

[Spartan]

Housing bond dollars are not the OU Athletic Department.

[rcjunkie]

Housing bond dollars are not the OU Athletic Department.

That's why ou48a said Athletic Department AND Housing Bond Dollars.

[twade]

The site is nearly cleared. All that remains is the Subway, but I'm sure that will be gone in the next few days. The regents' agenda noted that leveling, foundations, and steel would start going up in May.

Here is the press release from the university with renderings. I'm impressed, especially with the ground-level retail.

http://www.soonersports.com/genrel/032411aaa.html

The Sooner Housing Center: Opening Fall 2013
230,000 sq. ft.; 392 beds; 49% athlete, 51% students [rumor is that it will be used for national merit scholars and honors college]

[ou48A]

Thanks for posting that twade

That looks like a very impressive structure that is sure to attract even more good recruits to OU

[Dustin]

The architecture fits in well with the campus!

[Pete]

That looks awesome!

Here is the full press release with a site plan:




The University of Oklahoma's Board of Regents today (March 24, 2011) approved the conceptual design for the $75 million Sooner Center Student Housing, which will house almost 400 students with both student athletes (49%) and students (51%) who are not participating in intercollegiate athletics.

The new facility, which will replace Bud Wilkinson Hall, will be funded by the department of intercollegiate athletics, which has launched a campaign to raise the private funding portion of the project cost.

Sooner fans interested in learning more about contributing to this facility should contact the Sooner Club at (405) 325-8000 or toll-free at (866) Sooner Club.

The 230,000 square foot housing center, which will be located on the corner of Jenkins and Lindsey, southeast and across the street from the football stadium, will have 392 beds in two- and four-bedroom units. The building will include central dining, computer labs and study rooms as well as a Faculty-in-Residence unit.

"We are grateful to President David Boren and the OU Board of Regents for their leadership and support of a project that will benefit our students for generations to come," said Joe Castiglione, OU's Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and Athletics Director.

"This impressive housing project will be consistent with the architecture of our beautiful campus and will provide a state-of-the-art housing facility for hundreds of students.

"In addition, it will present prospective student-athletes with a facility that will rival any of its peers nationally," Castiglione said.

[mcca7596]

Anyone know what will be done with Bud Wilkinson Hall?

[Pete]

I believe they want to pull down pretty much everything in that area; all the residential buildings and dining hall. Then, I believe the plan is for another building like this one.

I bet once this project is completed, they'll start trying to raise fund for a similar one where Bud, Jefferson and the rest now stand.

[kevinpate]

Anyone know what will be done with Bud Wilkinson Hall?

I've heard a bit of talk about an alumni type condo village, either there or elsewhere near campus. may just be talk, but that would be a whale of a spot for one if they wanted to go that route.

[BoulderSooner]

from what i have heard there is going to be a extension of Heisman park .. in that location with an amphitheater and more sooner statues

[BG918]

I've heard a bit of talk about an alumni type condo village, either there or elsewhere near campus. may just be talk, but that would be a whale of a spot for one if they wanted to go that route.

That is what I've heard too, that the university is interested in having that location (NE corner of Lindsey & Jenkins) for a combination hotel/alumni center/conference center and condos all of which would overlook the stadium. Still hoping a new basketball arena would then be built just to the north at Brooks & Jenkins with an expanded Heisman Park in between the two east of the stadium.

Also hoping the Sooner Center is the first phase of a massive student housing upgrade where Cate Center is torn down and similar styled buildings are built in its place for student housing facing an extension of the south oval across Lindsey.

[twade]

The school just spent millions redoing Cate I, and they remodeled another a few summers back. I'd be surprised if they leveled them. Now Cross would be an all together different story for me...

[BG918]

The school just spent millions redoing Cate I, and they remodeled another a few summers back. I'd be surprised if they leveled them. Now Cross would be an all together different story for me...

It wouldn't be done right away but eventually Cate will be razed. The set-up does not fit 21st century college students and something like the Sooner Center with individual suites and bathrooms would be built in its place. It's also an opportunity to better define the Lindsey corridor through campus with new buildings fronting the street.

[soonerliberal]

This is an outstanding add to the university. I am incredibly impressed!

[Kerry]

OU should replicate the Chinese terracotta army. All Sooner athletes could get a life size replica in their sport uniform if they graduate. What athlete wouldn't want to be part of that.



They could make them like this - only bigger

[BG918]

There are four retail spaces at street level: 1 on Lindsey, 1 at the corner of Lindsey & Jenkins, and 2 on Jenkins. Subway already has a Campus Corner location but might want a south campus location. I'd rather see a local place though like Penny Hill. Hopefully Campus Market moves into the larger retail space at the south side of the building and operates as a small grocery for students and residents in that area without the gas pumps.

This is a huge improvement for that section of campus.

[Pete]

Photo by Bouldersooner:

[pw405]

Wow, I need to make it by there, had no idea the project was this far along.

[Just the facts]

Why can't they build with this style in downtown OKC?

[Dekoung]

"I'd rather see a local place though like Penny Hill."

Scratch this since a new one is opening on Lindsey at the old Patsy's location.

[Just the facts]

"I'd rather see a local place though like Penny Hill."

Scratch this since a new one is opening on Lindsey at the old Patsy's location.

The only problem is Penny Hill subs is not exactly 'local'. They are part of a very small chain. 2 locations here in Florida and one in Norman.

[dankrutka]

The only problem is Penny Hill subs is not exactly 'local'. They are part of a very small chain. 2 locations here in Florida and one in Norman.

Did they start here? Whoever owns the Main location sure does love the Sooners. It certainly feels local.

[Just the facts]

Did they start here? Whoever owns the Main location sure does love the Sooners. It certainly feels local.

My wife asked one of the long-time employees at the Vero store. If I remember correctly, it started in Vero but they opened the Norman store when their son attended OU so they could be close to him and have a place for him to work while at OU. After he graduated they returned to Vero but kept the store in Norman open.