When a devastating tornado struck Shawnee Hall—the first and most iconic building at Oklahoma Baptist University—campus leadership saw an opportunity to do more than rebuild. They set out to restore the hall’s original grandeur while reimagining it for a new generation of students. The $25 million transformation became a defining moment for OBU, blending heritage and innovation to bring the heart of campus back to life.

Situated in Shawnee, Oklahoma, OBU’s historic campus represents both tradition and transformation. Shawnee Hall, the university’s inaugural structure, has long been its symbolic and physical centerpiece. As student expectations evolved toward environments that promote collaboration, technology, and belonging, even this beloved landmark faced the need for renewal. The challenge lay in preserving the hall’s architectural dignity while adapting it for modern teaching, administration, and recruitment—three functions that now define its role on campus.

OBU sought to create a space that would serve as both a tribute to its heritage and a platform for the future. The project required thoughtful solutions to improve flow and accessibility, integrate technology, and design interiors that supported the academic and administrative demands of a modern university.

Beyond technical upgrades, the renovation had to resolve complex structural and acoustical issues while incorporating a new partially below-grade first floor. Leadership and the Color Works team approached each decision with one guiding question: how could Shawnee Hall maintain its historic presence while becoming more versatile, functional, and inspiring for generations to come?

Color Works led the interior design, FF&E, project management, and custom art integration, collaborating closely with the general contractor, architect, acousticians, OBU’s president, and the advancement team. From the outset, the design aimed to create cohesion—linking past and present, beauty and function, legacy and innovation.

Original brick was revealed to showcase early twentieth-century craftsmanship, while reconfigured layouts introduced an intentional mix of classrooms, faculty offices, study areas, and recruitment suites unified by a sophisticated material palette. Family restrooms were added to each level, and circulation was enhanced to ensure accessibility for all users. The team also addressed long-standing acoustical challenges to create comfort and clarity within lecture and multipurpose spaces, essential for both instruction and large-scale events.

Art became the defining expression of identity. Color Works incorporated OBU’s iconic bison mascot into custom wallpaper and partnered with a local artist to repurpose original flooring into inlaid bison installations at the top of the grand staircase. These handcrafted pieces greet visitors upon entering the main floor, symbolizing resilience and pride. On the third floor, custom artwork by Lucas Simmons, an OBU alumnus and artist known for his work in the Oklahoma State Capitol dome, extends that story through fine art. His series of bison paintings reflects the university’s strength, faith, and deep Oklahoma roots.

As part of the broader art program curated for the building, Color Works also partnered with the University’s Chief Curator to identify pivotal moments and diverse perspectives from the student body across decades. Archival photographs were professionally re-imaged, printed, and custom framed to create a visual timeline throughout the building. Each floor tells part of OBU’s story—how the university grew, adapted, and thrived—adding depth, humanity, and historical continuity to a space that demanded both reverence and renewal.

Every design gesture—from the acoustical planning to the commissioned art—honored Shawnee Hall’s legacy as both the university’s founding structure and its reimagined center for learning, leadership, and connection.

Today, Shawnee Hall stands as a living embodiment of OBU’s past and future. Students, faculty, and visitors are welcomed into spaces that encourage collaboration and community while reflecting the timeless values at the heart of the institution. The modernization has elevated the university’s recruitment experience and strengthened its brand identity through art, materiality, and storytelling.

What was once a storm-damaged relic has been reborn as the spiritual and functional core of Oklahoma Baptist University—a place where history and design work hand in hand to inspire. The transformation has drawn admiration from all who enter, marking Shawnee Hall not simply as a renovation, but as the revival of an enduring legacy.

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