At this year’s Southwest Association of College & University Housing Officers (SWACUHO) Conference, we were honored to join Baylor University and our partners at Linbeck Group in hosting a hard hat facility tour of the Kokernot Residence Hall renovation in Waco, Texas.

SWACUHO brings together housing and residence life professionals from across the region, creating space for meaningful dialogue about student wellbeing, operations, and the evolving expectations of campus life. It was a privilege to welcome conference attendees into an active project and share how Baylor is thoughtfully investing in the future of its residential community.

A Renewal Rooted in Purpose

Originally constructed in 1947, Kokernot Hall has long been part of the Baylor story. The current renovation represents more than a building update. It is a reinvestment in student experience, accessibility, and belonging.

The project maintains 164 beds within approximately 54,878 square feet while transforming how students move through and gather within the building. By removing a duplicate stair and opening the central stair to the lobby, circulation has been simplified and natural light now reaches deeper into the building. What was once confusing now feels intuitive and connected.

Traditional double occupancy rooms are preserved, while bathrooms have been reconfigured into more private pod layouts that enhance flexibility and comfort. These moves respect the building’s heritage while aligning with contemporary expectations around privacy and student wellbeing.

Spaces Designed for Community

One of the most impactful changes is found on the garden level, where a relocated and modernized community kitchen now serves as a central hub for gathering. Adjacent lounges, game areas, seminar space, and a dedicated spiritual reflection room support the full spectrum of student life, from social connection to quiet reflection.

A moss feature wall introduces warmth and biophilic texture without long-term maintenance concerns, demonstrating how thoughtful detailing can balance durability with character.

Outside, the renovation extends to the site itself. Accessible entries are now integrated into the primary campus approach, and the courtyard has been regraded to eliminate significant level changes that previously limited access. What began as a building renovation evolved into a broader opportunity to strengthen Kokernot’s identity as a campus gateway while improving inclusivity.

The Power of Partnership

The tour underscored what makes projects like Kokernot successful: collaboration. Baylor University’s leadership, Linbeck’s construction expertise, and our design team worked closely throughout the process to balance operational realities, accessibility goals, and student-centered priorities.

Opening the site to SWACUHO attendees created space for honest conversation about constraints, tradeoffs, and lessons learned. That transparency reflects the spirit of the conference itself. SWACUHO continues to be a vital forum for housing professionals to exchange ideas and explore how facilities can better support student success.

A Foundation for Future Bears

Kokernot Hall is not simply a renovation. It is a renewal of identity. It respects Baylor’s history while removing physical and social barriers. It supports traditional community-style living while integrating modern expectations around accessibility, flexibility, and shared space.

Most importantly, it strengthens Baylor’s commitment to ensuring that students feel welcomed, supported, and connected from the moment they arrive on campus.

We are grateful to Baylor University and Linbeck for the opportunity to share this work with the SWACUHO community and to continue contributing to meaningful investments in student life across Texas and beyond.