• Baylor marina update one of many campus projects underway this summer

    Pullin Family Marina rendering

    It’s amazing to think that it’s only been in the last 20 years or so that Baylor has begun to really utilize the campus’ unique riverfront setting. The push that began with Baylor Ballpark and the rest of the Turner Riverfront Athletic Complex in 1999 has been followed by the Umphrey Law Center in 2001, Mayborn Museum Complex in 2004, Simpson Athletics and Academic Center in 2008, Allison Indoor Football Practice Facility in 2009, McLane Stadium in 2014 and Hart Track & Field Stadium in 2015.

    But long before those facilities were even dreamt of, there was the Baylor Marina. And thanks to a gift from the family of Baylor Regent Randy Pullin, BBA ’82, the marina will soon be remodeled and expanded to better serve the campus community.

    Since the 1970s, the marina has provided kayaks, canoes, and other water sports equipment for the enjoyment of Baylor students, faculty and staff on the adjacent Brazos River. After updates, Bears visiting the newly renamed Pullin Family Marina will also benefit from a shade canopy, aesthetic improvements to the existing facility, boat slip repairs and the creation of covered boat hoist slips, plus a centerpiece fountain in the marina basin.

    The remodeling was one of several capital projects approved by the Baylor Board at last week’s meeting. Others include a 7,600-square-feet expansion of the Baylor Counseling Center into the Dutton Avenue Offices; renovation of the Paul L. Foster Success Center to increase space for Career Placement, tutoring and advising; and renovation designs for the BGCT Building in Dallas to accommodate future expansion of Baylor’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing.

    Work will also begin this summer on a year-long renovation of Martin Residence Hall, the fourth of Baylor’s traditional residence halls to undergo such remodeling. North and South Russell have already been updated, and Penland will reopen this fall after a year of work; future years will see similar updates to Alexander, Allen-Dawson, Collins and Memorial.

    The first phase of renovation of the Hankamer Cashion Complex (former home of Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business) is also expected to be completed this summer. Beginning this fall, the facility will house administration, faculty and clinics of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, the Department of Computer Science, and the Center for Global Engagement.

    Sic ’em, Pullin family and all who have made such updates possible for Baylor students!