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Library Complex and Arts Arena

The Project

Ohio Wesleyan University is looking to create a new library space to improve student experience and better meet curricular needs, while reactivating the JAYwalk public space and coordinating with the possible development of a new arts facility. This new Library Complex and Arts Arena will serve as a vibrant hub for academic life and fine and performing arts, along with student support services, and a Teaching, Learning, and Innovation Center, creating a contemporary and collaborative academic experience. This will also serve an overall goal to foster collaboration, goodwill, and strategic alliances with the broader community.

Pfeiffer Partners design firm and Levin Porter Architects will lead the project. 

This site will be the information hub for the project, including news updates, timelines, and FAQs.

Timeline

2025 - Apr. 25 Day on the Jay - Funding and building schedule announcement.
2025 - Apr. 24 Library Town Hall Meeting @ Hobson Library, 12 noon.
2025 - Mar. 4 Library and Arts Arena Complex Open Campus Feedback Session held in Merrick 301 from 11:30am-5pm.

2024 - Nov. 12                 

Library Town Hall Meeting @ Hobson Library, 12 noon. 
Includes updates for the Library Complex and Arts Arena renovation, as well as library services and print collection rebuild updates. 

Meeting recording (YouTube)
2024 Summer Special Collections relocated to new storage and classroom facilities in Corns and the lower level of the Bigelow Rice underneath Hobson Library. Special Collections services teaching and research services reestablished for Fall 2024 semester.
2024 - May 1 Library Town Hall Meeting @ Hobson Library, 12 noon.
Includes updates from the president, architect, and library director on space planning and future of the library collections, followed by Q&A with faculty, staff, and students.
2024 - Feb. 20-21                       Open and focused campus sessions with Pfeiffer and Levin Porter.
2024 - Feb. 13

Pfeiffer Partners design firm and Levin Porter Architects hired to lead Library of the Future development and planning.
2023-Sep. 25 Library Town Hall Meeting @ Hobson Library 12 noon.
2023 - July
  • Beeghly Library closed for the 2023-24 school year due to environmental concerns.
  • Collections and circulation services transferred to Hobson Library.
  • Reference services and study space transferred to Slocum Reading Room.

By the Numbers

Here's a summary of significant campus engagement to date:

  • All-Campus Town Halls: 3
  • Campus Discussion and Feedback: 25 sessions with 161 participants
  • Performing Arts and Fine Arts Schematic Design: 11 sessions for 26 hours
  • Library Schematic Design: 14 sessions for 23 hours
  • Total Sessions in Hours: 231 hours

Points of Contact

 

OWU Administration

Brian Rellinger - Internal Project Manager

Steve Lippiello - Internal Project Manager

 

OWU Libraries

Dee Peterson - Director

 

Pfeiffer Partners

Alberto Cavallero - Principal Designer

Gili Meerovitch - Principal Interiors

 

Levin Porter Architects

Matt Franklin - President