jason_cook said:

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Confirming primary entrance will face UParks; however, a major secondary entrance will face toward campus. We've kept the I35 elevation in consideration ... we are bringing in dirt to raise the foundation. You will be able to see the building from the interstate.

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That's what I think would be nice. People need to see it.

Pseudo3D said:

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I swear I remember reading that nearly a decade after redeveloping the southwest corner of I-35 and University Parks as green space for Baylor (Ivy Square, Jim's, Best Western, et. al.) some redevelopment is coming to the space. Is there any revealed plans for this or all just talk? Seems like a prime space for something interesting.

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Point of information: I believe you intended to refer to the southeast corner of I-35 and University Parks, where the Hurd Howdy Hut is being built (credit: Edmond Bear).

Clarified for those of us that don't make it back to Waco as much as we'd like to, perhaps because we have entirely too many kids at a somewhat advanced age.

Gunny Hartman said:

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Pseudo3D said:

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I swear I remember reading that nearly a decade after redeveloping the southwest corner of I-35 and University Parks as green space for Baylor (Ivy Square, Jim's, Best Western, et. al.) some redevelopment is coming to the space. Is there any revealed plans for this or all just talk? Seems like a prime space for something interesting.

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Point of information: I believe you intended to refer to the southeast corner of I-35 and University Parks, where the Hurd Howdy Hut is being built (credit: Edmond Bear).

Clarified for those of us that don't make it back to Waco as much as we'd like to, perhaps because we have entirely too many kids at a somewhat advanced age.

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I think I was going on the orientation of "Waco North", where University Parks runs "North and South" whereas others like Franklin Avenue run east and west.

Edmond Bear said:

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It is going to be one of many buildings on that space.

From the link- "Anchoring a larger development on the property, the Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center will feature a 120,000-square-foot complex designed to create interest and enthusiasm in the University through a high-tech and interactive experience. The welcome center will serve as the hub for visitors to Baylor's campus. Strategic development of the property surrounding the new facility is anticipated to include businesses that will solidify the center as a travel and visitor destination for both Baylor and the Waco community."

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So I'm guessing there will be a Bucee's next door to the Hurd Center?

Nah. Bucee's is totally Aggy,.

PartyBear said:

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I actually figured that but there are folks here saying we couldn't combine a basketball arena with a Welcome Center. I'm glad though you thoroughly research everything before you post. Your posts don't stand out to me so I had not noticed. I'm glad you take great care and preparation before you chit chat.

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Don't mock Ivy Square Garden!

PartyBear said:

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Why does a welcome center need to have the square footage of a typical Super Walmart? Why does the building need to have an interior size of about 4 acres? Doesn't that seem to be excessive for a Welcome Center?

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Also, why does it have to be so ugly.

I mean I understand that modern architects can't resist the impulse to look at a beautiful historic campus and say "how can I ruin this"... but come on.

Tiny Elvis said:

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Edmond Bear said:

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It is going to be one of many buildings on that space.

From the link- "Anchoring a larger development on the property, the Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center will feature a 120,000-square-foot complex designed to create interest and enthusiasm in the University through a high-tech and interactive experience. The welcome center will serve as the hub for visitors to Baylor's campus. Strategic development of the property surrounding the new facility is anticipated to include businesses that will solidify the center as a travel and visitor destination for both Baylor and the Waco community."

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So I'm guessing there will be a Bucee's next door to the Hurd Center?

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Shoulda been a field house.

(Yeah, I'm still bitter.)

Edmond Bear said:

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Grinnin bear said:

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Never really understood why the Fieldhouse and the new Welcome Center were not one facility.

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It is going to be one of many buildings on that space.

From the link- "Anchoring a larger development on the property, the Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center will feature a 120,000-square-foot complex designed to create interest and enthusiasm in the University through a high-tech and interactive experience. The welcome center will serve as the hub for visitors to Baylor's campus. Strategic development of the property surrounding the new facility is anticipated to include businesses that will solidify the center as a travel and visitor destination for both Baylor and the Waco community."


But, I'm with you. I'd love to see the Hurd center share a lobby with a new fieldhouse and parking. Seems like a Baylor sports HOF with a National Championship exhibit and trophy, next to an alumni center with prominent alumni featured (build a vision in a recruit) would be a great place to start a campus tour.

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So... bring back the businesses that were lost in the teardown for green space?

I don't know. For 40 years I've had a hole in my heart for that ceramics arts and crafts store where eveyone created a plaster Baylor shield to be hung on the wall. Only problem it weighted about 10 lbs and you had to drill massive wall mounts into your sheet rock to get the thing to hand on the wall.

Pseudo3D said:

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quash said:

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Edmond Bear said:

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Grinnin bear said:

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Never really understood why the Fieldhouse and the new Welcome Center were not one facility.

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It is going to be one of many buildings on that space.

From the link- "Anchoring a larger development on the property, the Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center will feature a 120,000-square-foot complex designed to create interest and enthusiasm in the University through a high-tech and interactive experience. The welcome center will serve as the hub for visitors to Baylor's campus. Strategic development of the property surrounding the new facility is anticipated to include businesses that will solidify the center as a travel and visitor destination for both Baylor and the Waco community."


But, I'm with you. I'd love to see the Hurd center share a lobby with a new fieldhouse and parking. Seems like a Baylor sports HOF with a National Championship exhibit and trophy, next to an alumni center with prominent alumni featured (build a vision in a recruit) would be a great place to start a campus tour.

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So... bring back the businesses that were lost in the teardown for green space?

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A few months ago, I created an entire page on what exactly was torn down, but I don't think you'll find anyone clamoring to bring back what was lost. Since Ivy Square and the other retail was torn down, Interstate 35 from Brazos River to Valley Mills has had a lot more commercial development.

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Wow that's amazing.

SSadler said:

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I don't know. For 40 years I've had a hole in my heart for that ceramics arts and crafts store where eveyone created a plaster Baylor shield to be hung on the wall. Only problem it weighted about 10 lbs and you had to drill massive wall mounts into your sheet rock to get the thing to hand on the wall.


John's Plaster Gallery. Looking at my shield as I type.

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BaylorHistory said:

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Pseudo3D said:

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quash said:

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Edmond Bear said:

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Grinnin bear said:

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Never really understood why the Fieldhouse and the new Welcome Center were not one facility.

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It is going to be one of many buildings on that space.

From the link- "Anchoring a larger development on the property, the Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center will feature a 120,000-square-foot complex designed to create interest and enthusiasm in the University through a high-tech and interactive experience. The welcome center will serve as the hub for visitors to Baylor's campus. Strategic development of the property surrounding the new facility is anticipated to include businesses that will solidify the center as a travel and visitor destination for both Baylor and the Waco community."


But, I'm with you. I'd love to see the Hurd center share a lobby with a new fieldhouse and parking. Seems like a Baylor sports HOF with a National Championship exhibit and trophy, next to an alumni center with prominent alumni featured (build a vision in a recruit) would be a great place to start a campus tour.

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So... bring back the businesses that were lost in the teardown for green space?

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A few months ago, I created an entire page on what exactly was torn down, but I don't think you'll find anyone clamoring to bring back what was lost. Since Ivy Square and the other retail was torn down, Interstate 35 from Brazos River to Valley Mills has had a lot more commercial development.

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Wow that's amazing.

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Thanks! I'm always looking to improve and expand it.

I saw something saying the I-35 expansion is set to finish next year ahead of schedule.