WESLEY FOUNDATION @ OSU
Stillwater, OK
YEAR COMPLETED: 2018
PROJECT STATEMENT: When the Wesley Foundation at Oklahoma State University realized it needed a new campus home, that ministry turned to our firm, for our longtime partner Gary Sparks maintained enduring ties with this Methodist organization. Gary participated in the foundation's activities while an OSU student and lived in its basement for a time before his 1966 graduation.
Our firm designed a three-story building to replace the Wesley Foundation's outdated home, which sits on a small hill just south of OSU's landmark lawn. Two entryway towers with color-changing LED lanterns take advantage of this prime site, serving as beacons to students all over the campus. Floor-to-ceiling windows extend from that corner entryway – an inviting feature that helps open this ministry to the public.
This design helps the foundation stay functional and timely. Areas that prove difficult to change – building structure, exterior finishes – were designed to be current but not trendy. The more adaptable areas – flooring, wall paint, furniture, lighting, etc. – use materials easily updated with minimal expense as trends change. This duality allows the building to stay modern on the inside and timeless on the exterior.
The building features a coffee shop with kitchen, student gathering/lounge spaces, a catering kitchen large enough to serve 400 people, public restrooms, a worship space for 300 incorporating campus views, counseling offices, and administration offices.
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