By Emily Peisker, HPU junior
BROWNWOOD – March 17, 2015 – Since its reopening at the beginning of the fall semester, the Howard Payne University community and campus guests have enjoyed the recently renovated Mabee University Center, including the updated Fambrough’s Eatery and Coffee Bar and expanded Spirit Store.
“The new center is much more open, but it still has that feeling of coziness,” said Brittany Cavness, a senior from Lampasas. “I also really like that Fambrough’s has new healthy options.”
In addition to upgrades to the eatery and campus store, the extensive redesign included a renovated dining hall, study lounge, social spaces, enhanced technology, new office suite for the vice president for student life and her staff, additional conference rooms and improved Bullion Suites to host events for the university and the community. Recent campus photographs and archival photographs were used in spirited wall graphics throughout the center.
“I think the new Mabee Center is beautiful,” said Kaleigh Tankersley, a senior from Iraan. “The renovations made the building more student-friendly. I love the professional aspect of the upper floor and the school spirit displayed on the lower floor.”
Andrew Overmiller, a sophomore from Natalia, also expressed his appreciation of the new center and its social spaces.
“I love the renovations that were made to the Mabee Center,” he said. “It has become a great environment in which to hang out with friends and study.”
Local contractor Waldrop Construction worked with SmithGroupJJR of Dallas, one of the nation’s largest architecture and engineering firms, to complete the remodeling project. Bill Fishback, HPU’s assistant vice president for business and human resources, was the university administrator responsible for the construction phase of the project.
“During the construction phase of the Mabee Center renovation project, SmithGroupJJR representatives Nick Back, Kenda Draper and Eden Vaughn were invaluable as we worked with Waldrop Construction and subcontractors to ensure the end result would be a great facility for students,” said Fishback. “Nick Back, associate construction manager, is the consummate professional and was our ‘go to’ person at SmithGroupJJR, assisting us daily throughout the project.”
HPU has received positive feedback on the renovations from campus guests, as well.
“We’ve hosted several community events since the remodel and many are scheduled for the future,” said Debbie Childs, director of university events. “The Mabee Center renovations have received great reviews and people from our community are delighted and amazed with the improvements.”
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Photo cutlines:
Students gather in HPU’s Mabee University Center foyer.
Students enjoy the new social spaces in HPU’s Mabee University Center, including the completely renovated Beadel Dining Hall.