In May 2022, Collins Residence Hall reopened its doors to 466 women after a 14-month renovation.
Nichole Bekken, the construction project manager, said that the remodel totaled $38.5 million. While maintaining the original character of a building that has been loved by generations of women, the renovations include state-of-the-art amenities and a complete communal bathroom redesign.
When we renovate a building, almost everything gets touched, said Curtis Odle, associate director of facilities and operations. If it’s a community bath, we keep it the same way. Collins is one of the biggest changes because instead of just having a row of showers and toilets, it has a ‘pod-style’ community bath. So you have the option of choosing from five to seven pods when you step into the bathroom.”
The new pod-style bathrooms are enclosed rooms with a shower, toilet, and sink.
A student’s primary concern is privacy, according to Tiffany Lowe, Director of Campus Living and Learning. Nevertheless, we retained some sinks with mirrors and outlets on the wall so students could still use them, but this way, it is almost like having semi-private bathrooms. Having what students want and having much more flexibility is exciting because it allows them to get what they want.”
In Collins, the classic room style remains, but every room has been renovated from top to bottom with new flooring, lighting, air conditioning, locks, paint, and furniture.
LED lighting will illuminate the entire building, which will reduce maintenance costs, prevent lights from burning out, and save energy, Odle said.
Many of the community leaders have been past residents of Collins who have fond memories of the building. This has been her favorite part of the Collins renovation.
As Lowe said, seeing the students’ reactions is exciting because that’s the goal in mind. “I can’t wait for move-in day when I get to see all the parents who lived here and all the students who are so excited to see it.” That gives me so much satisfaction, since that’s who this is for.”
She said the facility creates a community that is irreplaceable when she talks about the renovation.
According to Lowe, what happens in the hall consists of people, relationships, and programs. Continuing Collins’ legacy but bringing it into 2023, we’ve made it a place where people want to live, even if they don’t have the previous experience. The facility reflects the community.”
Baylor spokesperson Lori Fogleman said via email that Memorial and Alexander Halls are currently undergoing renovations, with Allen, Dawson, and Kokernot following.
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