RSU Selects Architects for Campus Projects

Rogers State University has selected architects for several construction and renovation projects on its Claremore campus and equestrian facilities near Oologah.

The University of Oklahoma Board of Regents, the governing board for RSU, approved the selection of the architects at its June 23 meeting.

The regents approved the selection of Architectural Design Group Inc. of Oklahoma City to develop plans for a new classroom building, renovations of Thunderbird and Post Halls and other improvement projects on the Claremore campus.

They also approved hiring LWPB Architects and Planners of Oklahoma City to design new equestrian facilities, to be located five miles south of Oologah on U.S. Highway 169.

In May, the regents authorized RSU President Dr. Joe Wiley to negotiate fees and contractual agreements with architectural firms receiving the highest rankings from a committee of RSU faculty and staff, who interviewed the firms.

Architects will begin developing designs for the Claremore campus projects this summer. Finalization of architectural plans and work on the projects are expected sometime next year.

Earlier this year, the university selected Ambler Architects of Bartlesville to develop plans for the renovation of the former Reda Building to serve as its new campus in downtown Bartlesville. In addition, RSU previously selected LWPB Architects and Planners to plan the expansion of the Pryor campus.

The projects are expected to cost approximately $13.9 million and will be funded by the university’s share of the bond issue for higher education, which was approved by the Oklahoma Legislature during its last session. The remainder of the bond funds will be spent on improvements to the Bartlesville and Pryor campuses.

Claremore campus improvements will include an academic building, providing space for classrooms, computer laboratories and faculty offices; renovation of Thunderbird Hall to serve as a student center containing a food court, bookstore and student meeting space; renovation of Post Hall, providing larger and more modern conference and banquet facilities; and repairs and upgrades to the campus infrastructure, including new sidewalks, lighting, sewer and water lines, roof repair and elevators to meet ADA requirements.

The finalization of architectural plans and a groundbreaking for the new equestrian facilities also are expected sometime next year. The university is currently conducting a campaign to attract $2.2 million in private funding to construct the facilities and establish an endowment to fund operating expenses for the equestrian center and the Bit by Bit Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program.

Equestrian facilities will include an expanded indoor arena; improved mounting area to assist clients in mounting a horse; a classroom with one-way observational viewing for parents, students and others; increased stall space and turn-out areas; storage and tack areas; an administrative office; and a waiting area with two ADA-complaint restrooms. An outdoor arena is also planned.