Originally built in 1947, Kokernot Residence Hall has long been a defining home for first-year women at Baylor University. As the final project within the university’s five-year Illuminate strategic plan, the renovation brings renewed life to this cherished residential community. Once complete in 2026, the 55,000-square-foot hall will accommodate 159 students in a mix of private and shared suites designed for comfort, safety, and connection. Working closely with Linbeck Construction, the team is modernizing every aspect of the building while preserving its historic charm, creating a welcoming environment that will support wellbeing, community, and personal growth.
Shape
In partnership with Linbeck, Mackey Mitchell is reimagining Kokernot Hall as a vibrant, community-centered residence aligned with Baylor’s values of faith, learning, and service. The design introduces a variety of room types, a redesigned lobby and registration area, and new spaces for collaboration and reflection. A classroom, shared kitchen, and study lounges encourage both academic success and social engagement, while upgrades to accessibility, building systems, and energy performance ensure the hall remains a model of stewardship and adaptability for decades to come.
Inspire
When complete, Kokernot Hall will stand as a renewed gateway to campus life at Baylor. Larger gathering areas, flexible study spaces, and community-focused amenities will foster meaningful connections among first-year students as they begin their Baylor journey. By blending tradition with innovation, the renovation celebrates the building’s enduring character while shaping an inclusive environment where students can learn, grow, and belong. More than a residence hall, Kokernot will continue to embody the warmth and spirit that define the Baylor experience.
The formative elements of who you live with, the friendships you forge, the memories you make in that first year, for some students, even those who graduated 50 years ago, those are the relationships they still talk about.
- Dr. Sharra Hynes Associate Vice President and Dean of Students.
