The Tulsa Forum by TulsaNow

It's been in the works for years, but at today's TU Orchestra concert, it was announced that construction will begin in the Fall on a new performing arts center.

The Lorton Performing Arts Center will be a 72,000 square foot facility that includes a 6,000 sf lobby and art gallery; several practice rooms; a 750-seat theatre; and will be the new home of the School of Music and the Film Studies program.

Steadman Upham, president of TU, described the building as, "the most ambitious building project ever undertaken at TU."  He said that it will take two years to complete, and should be ready for the Fall 2010 semester.

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2090/2428668611_7431489d19_o.jpg)
This image was release in October, 2006, and the designs may have changed, but I thought you'd like to see what they have in mind.

The building will be located along Gary Place, facing east toward Harvard, between Sorority Row (5th) and Fraternity Row (7th), at the east end of Harwell Field.

A 750 seat theater? That seems overly small.

Will they have an outdoor stage on the backside facing the green?  If not, they should.

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Originally posted by sgrizzle

A 750 seat theater? That seems overly small.

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750 is actually MUCH larger than anything on campus right now.  Chapman Theatre in Kendall Hall seats barely half that, and Tyrrell Hall holds maybe 100, so 750 is a HUGE improvement.

Have been hearing about this for a while. I like the rough draft rendering. It will be exciting to see a more detailed, finalized one.  Will definitely be a great addition to the campus. Very glad to see the Lortons donating something like this to TU.

Now if they could just add a loggia or covered porch like area all down the side of that building of theirs facing east on main street. The one with the plain wall covered in rocks that completely ruins the pedestrian friendly nature of the area.... hint hint. [8D] Would do a lot for the street, shade people, help keep them out of the rain for a ways, be a place for vendors, artists, etc. to set up. The sidewalk is plenty wide there and it would be relatively cheap to do but add a whooole lot.... Sorry I digress. [:P]

If they want a larger venue, they always have the Reynolds Center just down the street, or the Tulsa PAC is only a couple miles away.  I think the scale here accurately represents their need and I'm glad to see the Arts getting a nice facility at TU.

I couldn't find the press release anywhere and this thread is the only reference for "Lorton Performing Arts Center" on Google.  Art News at UTulsa has nothing on it:
http://www.utulsa.edu/news/room.asp?Room=Art

I need links!

I figured there would be a press release, too, but there isn't one yet.  I just had to take notes while Stead was talking.

I don't know if you all know this, but since everything on campus is either way too small (Kendall, Tyrrell) or too big (Reynolds), the band and orchestra have had to use the Great Hall inside the Allen Chapman Activities Center (ACAC) for their concerts.  It's the big room where all the speaking engagements (Nina Totenberg, Cokie Roberts, etc) are held... and that's all it is--a room.

Three years ago, we had to have our concert at Edison High School.

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Originally posted by dsjeffries

Three years ago, we had to have our concert at Edison High School.

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I forgot all about that! We had a joint concert with the high school band...

I've been to a lot of TU Music Dept performances.  Typcially, they have been held at the University Methodist Church (aka: Fun Rooftop Hangout for Cigar-Smoking Students in late 1980's), at the new Cascia Hall auditorium or even at downtown churchs.  I LOVE Tyrell Hall, and hope they continue to use it for smaller events (used to be able to get on THAT rooftop, too, but I bet they lock the windows nowadays...).  This will definitely fill a niche at TU.  Glad to hear they're building something for the arts...not just the jocks at TU.

quote:

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Originally posted by TURobY
I forgot all about that! We had a joint concert with the high school band...

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Haha!  Talk about a disaster!  And how sad is it that a University can't supply a place for its own groups to perform...

The Lorton TU Performing Arts Center, or Lorton TUPAC -- Oh, Man . . . that's even better than the BOKArena . . . .

(http://ww3.tulsachamber.com/upload/Bobby%20Lorton%2004.jpg)(http://www.solarnavigator.net/music/music_images/tupac_amaru_shakur.jpg)

A web page for the project has been posted:
http://www.utulsa.edu/physicalplant/projects/projects_performingarts.shtml

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The Performing Arts Center, to be located on Gary Avenue on the east end of Harwell Field, will be TU's showcase facility for the musical and performance arts. When completed, the building also will provide the new home for the School of Music and the Film Studies Department.
Amenities within the 77,000-square-foot facility are to include:

    * 700-seat concert theatre with balcony
    * Full stage
    * Orchestra pit
    * A 6,000 sq. ft. lobby dually designed for art exhibits and receptions
    * Faculty offices to accommodate up to two grand pianos
    * Specialized rehearsal and practice rooms that will accommodate all music groups
    * Teaching studios
    * Film scoring lab and a film post-production lab, both with student workstations

The University is scheduled to break ground for the facility in late summer/early fall 2008 and it will take approximately two years to build.

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(http://www.utulsa.edu/physicalplant/images/parts1_med.jpg)

Darn Steadman, telling me the wrong numbers! [^]

(http://www.utulsa.edu/physicalplant/images/parts2_lg.jpg)

(http://www.utulsa.edu/physicalplant/images/parts3_lg.jpg)

(http://www.utulsa.edu/physicalplant/images/parts4_lg.jpg)

Quite nice, though not as fancy as I personally might like.  You can't go wrong with classic, understated, elegance. It looks tasteful and rich.

Getting those art students to create a stunning piece of contemporary sculpture for the green right in front of that building would add a very nice touch. It feels like it needs to be ... silver and shiney, swirling curves intersected with straight lines and lots of movement. Sitting in a shallow, rectangular, pool of water thats lit up from underneath.[:D]

Finally.

I have to admit that I've always had a fascination with Tyrell Hall (looks kinda medieval, IMO)... but...

Even though TU has a small music dept, their faculty (and students) deserved better than the facilities they've had to work with over the years...

[:)]

I agree Artist.  It is understated and needs to sprucing up.  But I'd rather have the bling done with art work than architecture.

Both because it fits in well on campus as is, and if you fancy up the building itself it can turn out horribly wrong.  If you go with an outdated design it is ridiculed, if you do the latest greatest it can be ridiculed in the future.  As proposed, it will be a nice looking functional facility that can change the details of it's appearance with art.

Once again, the Tulsa World is weeks behind the news....

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Planned TU performance center is named

by: APRIL MARCISZEWSKI World Staff Writer
5/25/2008  12:00 AM

A forthcoming University of Tulsa building for music and film studies will be named the Roxana Rozsa and Robert Eugene Lorton Performance Center, in honor of the Lortons' leadership at the university.

The couple gave the lead donation for the $34 million, 77,000-square-foot building, according to TU.

"We are pleased to have the Lorton name grace this new facility," said Bob Lorton, chairman of World Publishing Co. "Roxana and I have deep roots with the University of Tulsa. We love TU and are excited that this new performance center will serve both the students and the community at large."

The Lortons serve on TU's board of trustees and have led fundraising that has brought TU millions of dollars, according to a university press release. They co-chaired TU's New Century Campaign, which raised $108 million between 1993 and 1998 and personally have given to the university to the level of becoming members of the Circle of Visionaries in TU's Circle Society.

"Roxana and Bob are a shining example of philanthropic giving backed by word and deed," said TU President Steadman Upham in the press release. "Their example has led the way for a groundswell of support that has literally changed the face of our campus."

The Lorton family's generosity has transformed TU performing arts and the whole university, Upham said.

Lorton Hall, sometimes called Eugene Lorton Hall, was dedicated in 1948, according to TU, and Lorton Village, a series of apartment buildings that opened last fall, was named in recognition of Bob and Roxana Lorton's service and donations to the school.

Bob Lorton, grandson of former Tulsa World Publisher Eugene Lorton and father of current Publisher Robert E. Lorton III, graduated from TU in 1964 with a bachelor's degree and was named a distinguished alumnus in 1988, according to the press release. His grandmother, Maud Lorton Myers, co-founded the Tulsa Opera, having dreamed of singing opera herself, and actively promoted the arts in Tulsa.

Roxana Lorton, daughter of longtime TU music professor B?la Rozsa, graduated from TU in 1963, served on TU's alumni board of directors, was named distinguished alumna in 2000 and was given the J. Paschal Twyman Award for Outstanding Service in 1996, the press release said.

Her grandfather, Lajos Sandor Rozsa, sang in the Budapest, Hungary; Vienna, Austria; and New York Metropolitan operas, and her father became his accompanist at age 13. After the senior Rozsa died, B?la Rozsa supported his mother while setting aside money to attend Juilliard School of Music in New York City. He later produced operas, wrote music, worked as a conductor and pianist and worked at several universities.

Bob and Roxana Lorton have continued their families' work in the arts and other community causes.

The Lorton Performance Center will be on Gary Place near Fifth Place, facing Harvard Avenue.

It will be TU's most expensive building, topping the Reynolds Center's $28 million price tag. TU has raised 90 percent of the money for the performance center and expects to raise the rest within six months or so, according to the university. The building has been in TU's master plan since at least 1994, and serious discussions about it began in 2003.

Joseph Rivers, music and film studies professor, said one professor was told in the 1960s to expect a new music building.

"This is a missing piece that's really been needed for many, many years," Rivers said. "It will provide a space for students to thrive as creative musicians."

The plans include a 700-seat concert theater with a balcony, ballet floor, space for theater scenery, orchestra pit and acoustics appropriate for recording, according to the press release and Rivers. Currently, TU's band and orchestra give concerts in a campus banquet hall.

Rivers foresees the performance hall as a space for guest speakers, TU musical theater and opera performances, guest artist performances and film festivals.

The performance center also will include a 6,000-square-foot lobby where art will be displayed and special events held. The building will have practice rooms, classrooms, an electronic piano lab, two recital halls, a film production suite, a dressing suite, faculty offices and an outdoor colonnade, the press release said.

The performance center will allow the music program to grow from the current 90 to 100 students up to 105 to 115 students, Rivers said. TU plans to hire three more music professors in the next couple of years as donations are raised to support them.

The music program has been housed in Tyrrell Hall since 1930, Rivers said. Music professors share offices, practice rooms are at a premium and storage space for the program scattered across campus. The new building will have climate-controlled practice rooms and will not have problems such as mold, present in Tyrrell Hall.

Construction on the Lorton Performance Center is scheduled to begin late this summer or early in the fall and should take two years to complete, the press release said.

Besides the Lortons, other major donors to the project include the Judith and Jean Pape Adams Foundation, Ellen and Stephen Adelson, Caroline and Tom Benediktson, Pat and Arnold Brown, the J.A. and Leta Chapman Trusts, Kathie and John Coyle, Ann Graves, the estate of Nan Jankowsky, Jake Jorishe, the George Kaiser Family Foundation, Nancy and Peter Meinig and faculty members of the Henry Kendall College of Arts and Sciences, according to the press release.

As a private university, TU relies on donations to pay for new buildings.

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pretty underwhelming personally

could be a dorm, could be a math building, could be a dentist office

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Originally posted by hoodlum

pretty underwhelming personally

could be a dorm, could be a math building, could be a dentist office

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Dude... its a free gift.

But there is something fishy about the scale of the building. Either those are some gigantic acorn lights and parking spots, or those windows are really low. Note the small white section of the building on the left. Has 2 windows in it. One assumes that a persons head would be lower than the first floor window. Judging from the inside pics and the size of those windows and the acorn lights next to similar windows on the outside. I would guess the acorn lights to be a good 20' tall?  That would put the building at easily 6 stories in height.

free gift or not I would like the architecture of this city to be expressive of its purpose. A building that houses the celebration of music should be expressive of a celebration of music, and I don't see it.


I will post some images of other music schools that i am fond of if i can find some time.

I personally would have loved the building to have more pizzaz. I am quite fond of "over the top". But, nothing we can say or do will change what we got so just trying to make the best of it. Not as though you or I have a vote in the matter unless you got some big bucks to make some improvements. Its not on city property nor is it being paid for by taxpayers. Plus, could have been worse. There are some quite ugly buildings on the TU campus. At least they are paying homage to the classic style of the campus.  And like I say, a nice work of art, a large fountain or something in front of the building could do wonders to the over all appearance.

Its still and improvement, though not as fancy or expressive as one would like, its a "handsome" building. Will be a good addition to the campus.

But you do bring up a point though about the TU campus. I am really glad to see it expanding and growing. Everything of late has been well done and in good taste. I would rather see something smaller and of quality than big, cheap and flashy. However now that they "have it goin on" construction wise and have the campus fleshed out, I think in the future they should consider doing something a little more inspiring and dramatic.

I agree there needs to be some quality/ beauty.

I am unfortunately not well versed in the names of the buildings on TU's campus, but there is an all white performance center that I find to be the best building on their campus. Universities have historically been the breeding ground for inovative beatiful architecture, it is a shame that the majority of colleges and universities, including my own Drury University, think they need to reintroduce a neogeorgian traditional architecture.

Before making a final decision on the looks of this new building I think I will wait for the final drawings.  And from what I am seeing, they want the look to fit in with the existing TU architecture.  TU is a pretty conservative place.

 Back in the late 60's when I was going to Univ of South Florida we students used to protest and picket new buildings because we were looking for anything except yellow bricks.  All to no avail.  I haven't seen that campus in many years so I do not know if the architecture of the mid 60's has held up as well there.  

I have come to find ORU architecture inspired.  I know it is the butt of a lot of jokes, but it is signature and unique and a jewel in Tulsa's architecture crown.

joiei, I would disagree.

While I think ORU's architecture is interesting, I'm glad my Universities don't have such over the top things.  If they continued to grow as they wanted to when they opened, would they be forced to built a 1960's themed campus?  It was a bold step, but it certainly dates the campus to that odd age of not new enough to be nice, but not old enough to be classic.

At least, in my architecturally uneducated opinion.

quote:

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Originally posted by cannon_fodder

joiei, I would disagree.

While I think ORU's architecture is interesting, I'm glad my Universities don't have such over the top things.  If they continued to grow as they wanted to when they opened, would they be forced to built a 1960's themed campus?  It was a bold step, but it certainly dates the campus to that odd age of not new enough to be nice, but not old enough to be classic.

At least, in my architecturally uneducated opinion.

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ORU is butt ugly.  Jewels don't decay like that.  This decades long scandal really zapped their maintenance budget.  Oh, the things you read on message boards . . .

ORu is actually a big draw for the Preservation Conference in October whether people like it or not it has become an Icon of Tulsa. People specifically want to see it when they come.

quote:

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Originally posted by hoodlum

ORu is actually a big draw for the Preservation Conference in October whether people like it or not it has become an Icon of Tulsa. People specifically want to see it when they come.

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People also want to see Heritage Land USA when they visit Charlotte or Ground Zero when they visit Manhattan.  Doesn't mean either is attractive . . .

The ORU campus is incredible. We are very fortunate to have such a collection of "futurist" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Futurist_architecture   architecture here. As far as I know, we have one of the largest collections and best collections, only Brasilia is more well known. "The Brazilian capital is the only city in the world built in the 20th century to be awarded (in 1987) the status of Historical and Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, a specialized agency of the United Nations." http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Brasilia+architecture&m=tags&s=int

  Not all of it is great, but quite a number of buildings are some of the finest examples of that style of architecture in the world. And is recognized as such by artists and architects the world over. Sad to say most Tulsans dont understand that. Course most Tulsans it seems wouldnt know a great piece of art or architecture if it bit them in the... But yes, I agree it needs to be taken care of better.

You know, whenever a new style hits the scene it goes through several phases. First its new and trendy, then it starts to look aged as the newer style comes along and you see the "older" one everywhere and get tired of it. Then it gets to looking downright ugly and very out-dated. Then as more time passes the style comes around again and becomes retro. Then it becomes cherished and appreciated.

Remember how 50s and 70s architecture, furniture, etc. went throught the same thing? Lortondale was great, then ugly, now trendy again. Heck look at downtown and how all that "gaudy" stuff like the Ritz, Orpheum, etc. were torn down and the fresh, shiny, new Convention Center and other buildings were en vogue. Not all architecture of a specific style or time period is good or worth saving, but some is.

I think Tulsans have just so gotten in the habit of saying how ORU is ugly, that they havent stopped to look at it with fresh eyes and appreciation. A lot of it is really great architecture. I think its a bad habit that we need to realize that we have, and stop knocking one of Tulsas architectural treasures. If anything I think we should be trying to get special recognition as a United Nations World Heritage Site or some other special recognition, promote it, be proud of it, and use it to our advantage.

Though you may not like Dali or Picasso, you have to realize that others do and their works
value. You may personally not like ORUs architecture, but you might be singing a different tune if you truly realized how its recognized, and how valuable it is.

Where else in the US has anything like it? You may see one or two buildings in other major cityies of that style, but never a whole campus of great buldings in that style.

Next thing you know, someone will claim Wesley Willis was our Mozart . . .

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Originally posted by Gold

Next thing you know, someone will claim Wesley Willis was our Mozart . . .

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Is he known the world over and recognized as one of the finest?

Rock over London, Rock on Chicago!

Always a fan of a Wesley Willis reference.

next thing you know someone might say we should scrap today's music and only make music that sounds like mozart. They already do this with architecture.

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Originally posted by hoodlum

next thing you know someone might say we should scrap today's music and only make music that sounds like mozart. They already do this with architecture.

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That depends on where you live.

In cities like London or Paris where you cant help but trip over old buildings and you get sick of looking at it when you live there... they loooove new architecture. Even in older cites back east its the same. However, in newer cities like many in the midwest where there isnt a lot of history or a tone of older architecture, they still like building things that look and feel old. An architect in Paris that designed a 6 story/mansard roof/wrought iron balconies,carved windows and sculpture covered building would roundly be considered insane,,, here applauded.

I remember going to the Brookside meeting about the Bomasada development, several times people mentioned that the building wouldnt be so bad if it were just brick and stone. Several people pointed to those cottages near Harwelden and the new development across the street there on 41st as good examples of what people in Tulsa
would like... The Developer thought they were nuts and thought those buildings were awful. He probably comes from a larger city that has a lot of that "crap".

I too love contemporary, like the new lofts on Cherry Street. However I also like old world and classical stuff. Its partly a result of where I live... Tulsa. We dont have nearly as much old architecture as other older cities. We could also use some great new architecture.


Its the old axiom, you always want what you dont have.

Basically city people want everything lol, lots of old architecture, lots of new architecture, lots of buildings, lots of trees, etc. Depending on where you live, you may have less of one than the other and thus want more of what you dont have "enough" of.

I think whats a bit lackluster for some about this TU building (notice the segue back on topic[8D]) is that its neither gothic enough, nor contemporary enough, it straddles the middle ground and appears bland. Not a lot of ornament or gothic cues, not overly sleek and modern either. A bit of this, a bit of that, but not satisfyingly either.

The original sketch looked nicer with its taller more vertical arches. I cant quite tell in the computer rendering whether there is a loggia under those arches or not? A space between the arches and the glass? And btw, where is the front door or entrance? I think the over all look would be improved with a center focal point. One wide arch, perhaps  taller than the others as well. Wouldnt have worked with the original sketched version, but would look good in the computer version.

Hopefully, as someone suggested, there will be a final rendering in the offing and it will be more refined.

Btw. I love the interior renderings. I still think they are very sleek and classy.

yeah I have heard that argument before and I don't buy it.

quote:

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Originally posted by hoodlum

yeah I have heard that argument before and I don't buy it.

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You need to travel more.

What is the status of this project?  Is it under construction?

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Originally posted by SXSW

What is the status of this project?  Is it under construction?

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According to a link on TU's web site, groundbreaking is set for late summer/early fall.

Received this email today:

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Dear Colleague,

I am writing to advise you about the status of the Roxana Rozsa and
Robert Eugene Lorton Performance Center, which will be the next major
campus construction project.  After careful deliberation with the
Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees, we have decided to
postpone construction until the nation's economic situation stabilizes.

 

We strongly feel that postponing construction is the most fiscally
responsible approach to take during a time where there is much
uncertainty in the credit markets and economy.  It is our plan to put
this project back on the University's construction schedule once there
is a clearer picture of economic conditions and any potential impact on
student enrollment next year.

 

Please be assured that this decision is not a negative reflection of the
University's financial position.  To the contrary, the University
remains financially strong, is operating with a balanced budget, and is
continuing to see significant progress in its comprehensive fundraising
campaign.  Our senior administrators have been in close contact with
TU's financial partners during the past few weeks and the University is
well-positioned to maintain its financial stability moving forward.

--Stead

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It is my impression that they were going to break ground with the name sake donation and do ongoing fund raising and/or seek corporate donations, and if need be cover the capital deficit themselves.  Currently, it looks more like they would end up paying a large chunk and thus be forced to tap their endowment.  Which is not something you want to do when the market is down.

It sucks, but it is probably a wise move.  Spending money you may or may not have is a bad long-term move (ask ORU).

The PAC will break ground this fall thanks to a big donation to TU by the Kaiser Family Foundation..

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20090520_11_A1_Thisis528430 (http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20090520_11_A1_Thisis528430)

(http://www.tulsaworld.com/articleimages/2009/20090520_A1_lortonperformancecenter.jpg)
(http://www.tulsaworld.com/articleimages/2009/20090520_turender0520.jpg)
(http://www.tulsaworld.com/articleimages/2009/20090520_turender0520p2.jpg)

Looks awesome and it is nice to see this project moving forward. However, I can't help but think, could they possibly make the name longer... ;D?

I call it the "TUPAC."

Kewl, noticed they have been scraping around in the dirt over in that area for a while now. Will be neat to see it going up. 

This project is progressing nicely at the east end of Harwell Field and is clearly visible from Harvard.  It's on track to be completed in 2011.
(http://www.utulsa.edu/physicalplant/images/projects_lortonbig.jpg)

Some other TU projects that are either under construction or will begin construction this year:

Helmerich Hall Renovation (Collins College of Business) on 5th St.
(http://www.utulsa.edu/physicalplant/images/helmerich-hall-sm.jpg)

Rayzor Hall (College of Engineering-Computer/Electrical) on 5th Pl. east of the Chapman Activity Center
(http://www.utulsa.edu/physicalplant/images/rayzor-hall.jpg)

Stephenson Hall (College of Engineering-Petroleum/Mechanical) also on 5th Pl. next to Rayzor
(http://www.utulsa.edu/physicalplant/images/stephenson-hall.jpg)

Twin Towers Dining Center Renovation near 8th & Evanston
(http://www.utulsa.edu/physicalplant/images/twin-cafeteria.jpg)

Samson Plaza located between the existing Kiplinger Hall and the new Rayzor and Stephenson Halls forming an Engineering Quad near 5th Pl. & Gary
(http://www.utulsa.edu/physicalplant/images/samson-plaza-sm.jpg)

Very excited about the new buildings and plaza! And I've long thought that TT could use an outdoor seating/eating area like that. Would've come in handy when I lived in Mayo Village!

I was at TU yesterday and took a couple of pics of these projects.  

The Lorton Performing Arts Center looks finished, have they had their grand opening yet?
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bg918/lorton.jpg)

And Rayzor Hall is nearing completion with Stephenson Hall under construction to the east along 5th
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/bg918/rayzor.jpg)

Samson Plaza will be a new green space between Rayzor, Stephenson and Keplinger Halls
(http://www.utulsa.edu/~/media/Images/offices/physical-plant/sampson-plaza-420x230.ashx?w=420&h=230&as=1)

After a period of near-constant construction on campus it seems to be winding down.  I've heard though that TU is interested in building a new student union to replace the ACAC on the parking lot north of McFarlin Library, and then ACAC would be torn down to make way for new engineering and science buildings next to Rayzor and Stephenson Halls with a larger Samson Plaza and the law quad to the north.  I also know TU wants to renovate the Mabee Gym and aquatics center...it definitely needs it.

Some nice looking structures.  Starting to give TU a more fleshed out, Ivy League look.  

I would hope that if they were to redo the Activity Center that they would consider doing something to make an area look "Street like".  For example, have the campus bookstore, a TU gift shop, the cafeteria, a laundry, etc. that could all be in one building, but have the front facade lined up along a sidewalk with outdoor seating, look like its made up of several buildings, so that you have a cozy but lively, old world streetscape, where the students can hang out on campus.

Give those buildings 100 to 150 years of patina and I might agree.  What appears to be stucco between areas of manufactured stone simply doesn't ring "Ivy League" to me, just more contrived university dreck.

Thats still a lot of expense they are putting into the stone that is on the buildings, and beats the dickens out of what they had been doing for decades.  The library expansion looks just as good as what was there originally.  Show me another university in this region that is doing better "Ivy League" construction.  I'd say its not bad at all or a tiny, private university in little ol Tulsa Ok.   

I think it is great for that part of town.

Not a university, but Chesapeake seems to be doing a nice job of creating an Ivy League look for their campus in OKC.

I'm a big fan of OU's Cherokee Gothic architecture.  The new buildings they are building are very sharp.

I agree rdj, can you imagine if TU built something like this:

(http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/College/20/6_84423.JPG)

I think the ACAC opened in 1988.  Surprising that TU would tear down a relatively newer building.

They should grow ivy on the drivit.

I think that is more of a long range plan and not something we'll see anytime soon.  They definitely want a larger engineering/science quad in that area.

A student union north of the library makes sense though.  That parking lot sees a lot of through-pedestrian traffic and is at the heart of the campus where a union ideally would be located.

Still hoping TU someday decides to lead an effort to redevelop 11th by campus into mixed-use student housing instead of building another apartment complex.  OU is doing that along Lindsey in Norman with the Sooner Center pictured the first phase of a major redevelopment of older student housing on campus.

As I recall, that was the location of the old student union before ACAC.  I has always looked odd to me as a parking lot.

I think TU has the potential to be a really cool university with an Ivy League/ Eastern feel, they just have chosen not to be for so long. If they would stop building cheesy suburban bleck, such as the student apartments, and start building more new buildings like the ones pictured above, I think they could get there. Just think, if they decided to build something like OU's Sooner Center, how much that would change the feel of their campus, and the whole neighborhood in general. Then if they built several more buildings out to the street, and with the classic university architecture, 11th St might start feeling like a little college town. It would also make TU seem bigger than they are, and possibly attract more students, which would be a benefit to not only the university, but the whole city as well. It just seems like a better long term investment to really build up a campus that feels permanent and enhances the neighborhood around it, than to build something that they expect to tear down in twenty years.

Agree completely.  I've said this for years that TU is a major anchor for the city and especially this neighborhood and could have an even larger impact if the university were more like peer institutions like TCU, SMU or even Vanderbilt.  Imagine the impact TU would have with double the number of students and faculty/staff/researchers; that would be over 10,000 people who would bring more life to midtown and downtown.

TU has done a lot of great things on their campus, and is a Top 100 university for a reason.  But they could do some things better (such as the apartments) and could really make an impact on the surrounding area with more of a presence along 11th.

 Hey, at least they have the apartments now so that was a BIG step up imo.  I also hear that they don't want to be a bigger university, but want to keep their student numbers at about 5,000 and focus on improving their quality, rankings, etc.  Perhaps after they get to the quality they want, they will begin inching up their student numbers.

There is plenty of quality at similar private research universities with 10-15,000 students.  Look at Vanderbilt, Northwestern, Baylor, Tulane, Wake Forest, etc.  All higher ranked than TU with larger student populations, especially graduate students.  TU ideally would be the size of TCU at 8-9,000 students, roughly double the current student population.  And ideally many of those extra students would be living in new apartments along the south side of 11th over sidewalk-facing restaurants and retail between Harvard and Delaware.

Indeed there are larger universities with higher rankings.  But you would likely want to pursue some sort of well thought out process by which you would achieve being both larger and of higher quality.  Your going to have to attract more high quality students, professors, build up a good quality campus structure, top notch research facilities, high quality and well known curriculum, low student to professor ratios, attract high quality professors, etc.  They are still working on getting up the rankings with the students and "infrastructure/abilities" they have.  Just opening it up for more students alone won't help that, could actually harm. My supposition is that right now they are keeping the student body about the size it is, while focusing on quality and moving up the rankings, then once they achieve that they can feel more secure with adding more high quality students. 

Which sounds like a good plan, I mean I'd rather them take a long time and achieve real quality than overpopulate their campus and hurt themselves. But at the same time it's just so painstakingly slow. I want instant gratification here!  :D

All your base are belong to us.