WACO, TX — The Baylor University Board of Regents has approved more than $13 million for the phase 1 design and fees for a new welcome center and basketball pavilion.
During the board's fall meeting, Regents approved $5 million for phase 1 and design of the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center. Phase 1 includes space programming, project, design fees and preconstruction services.
The welcome center is slated to be between 100,000 and 125,000 square feet. According to the university, the center will serve as the home for alumni and the epicenter for academic, cultural and social activities.
The center is expected to cost $60 million, with construction beginning by summer 2020 and opening in spring 2022.
The board also approved $8.6 million for phase 1 and design of the Baylor Basketball Pavilion. Phase 1 includes programming for the pavilion and basketball performance centers, project design fees, preconstruction services and development of a construction schedule.
The 150,000 square foot pavilion will have a seating capacity of 7,000 people, plus practice and office facilities for both men and women's basketball teams. There will also be shared performance facilities.
The project is estimated to cost $105 million.
The university says they are continuing to raise funds for the center and pavilion.
The Board of Regents also approved $1.25 million for a "fit-up" of shared research lab space for mechanical engineering research.
According to the university, the shared lab will accomadate up to five faculty researchers, including future hires, and ready lab space for mechanical engineering faculty.
