The McMurry community gathered with excitement and pride during Spring Alumni Weekend to celebrate the rededication of the expanded and modernized Garrison United Methodist Campus Center. The completion of this $25+ million facility heralds a new era for the University, representing the largest capital project ever undertaken on campus and a powerful symbol of McMurry’s momentum.
The concept for the new building and discussions with the Board of Trustees began before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the pandemic initially slowed construction discussions, progress did not come to a halt. As the situation stabilized and routines resumed, there was renewed determination to realize the vision of a new campus center. Fundraising efforts continued unabated and achieved record-breaking success. With plans from design contractor Credo finalized and managing contractor Sedalco ready to break ground, construction commenced in June 2022.
For nearly two years, students, staff, and faculty witnessed the building’s remarkable transformation. The slow demolition of the original structure eventually gave way to the quick rise of the new one, marked by the erection of steel beams and the installation of walls, windows, and doors. The rhythm of construction echoed across campus as the McMurry community dodged workers in hard hats and bright orange vests, navigated around closed-off sections of campus, and shared parking lots with work trucks and heavy machinery.
Finally, in spring 2024, the fruits of years of planning and labor were realized with a soft opening of the Garrison United Methodist Campus Center in February, followed by the official ribbon-cutting and rededication in April.
In 1979, McMurry undertook a significant project with the construction of the then named United Methodist Campus Center. The $2.5 million building was considered an innovative design for its era, featuring nearly windowless outer walls intended to cut back on energy costs. Fast forward 40 years, and the Garrison United Methodist Campus Center, which occupies the same footprint as the original structure, now stands as the clear architectural focal point of campus, with its soaring roofline reminiscent of a hawk’s wings and seemingly acres of glass.
Intentionally designed to function as the University’s “living room” the reimagined Campus Center boasts numerous common areas and study rooms, and there is no shortage of cozy nooks, quiet study areas, or social hangout spots. It provides a range of amenities including a fitness and wellness center, a community kitchen, Starbucks, a food court, and the McMurry University Spirit Store.
Beautifully appointed event spaces range from an open-space atrium, the 6,000-square-foot Mabee Room, an adaptive space with integrated technology that can transform from a single, large hall into smaller rooms to accommodate simultaneous events and functions, to the stunning, glass-walled President’s Board Room that overlooks the campus quad.
Everyone displaced by the construction finally has a new place to call home. The building, now expanded to include a second floor and increased from 39,000 to 58,000 square feet, houses centralized student support services, a student leadership suite, and the offices of Student Affairs and Religious and Spiritual Life. The chapel has been enhanced with more space and advanced technology, yet its charm and historical significance remains along with its original stained-glass windows. Additionally, the Esports team has relocated from the dark basement of Radford to a cutting-edge computer center within the Campus Center.
As today’s colleges compete for students, facilities are as vital as academic rankings, athletic opportunities, and affordability. The Garrison United Methodist Campus Center now stands as a source of inspiration and pride, clearly demonstrating the University’s commitment to and investment in its students, the McMurry community, and its future. This state-of-the-art facility powerfully communicates to visitors, prospective students and employees, and the Abilene community that this 101-year-old institution is thriving and dedicated to a successful second century.
To get a look at how construction progressed, check out the link below!
In addition to the Garrison United Methodist Campus Center, construction was also finished this spring on the new Centennial Commons apartments and the Backyard Terrace adjacent to the dining hall.
