After 75 years in their original building, the Baptist Student Ministry (BSM) group at Texas Tech University (TTU) has a new state-of-the-art facility. Led by FBT’s Daniel Chamberlain, the BSM Student Ministries Center exemplifies meticulous design and comprehensive project support from the idea phase through the ribbon-cutting and beyond.

Our team jumped in early, providing design concepts and presentations to support fundraising efforts with TTU, churches and community leaders. Daniel’s approach brought people together from day one–not just those who would eventually gather in the space but a diverse group of committed stakeholders whose investment built a network of generous financial support, advocates and community champions.

Proximity and relationship to the TTU campus were vital considerations in site selection and design. FBT worked with the owner to identify and evaluate possible locations. The best option proved to be on 13th and Avenue X, a vibrant area adjacent to the TTU campus. The building incorporates the characteristic TTU architectural vernacular to create a clear identity and signify a relationship with the campus.

As the design progressed, our team managed zoning variance approvals, coordinated the move-out and monitored the demolition of the old building before handing the project to the general contractor. Construction was successfully completed on an expedited 200-day schedule with enough funds leftover to create a $1M endowment.

The road from conception to construction for a new building can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. FBT guides the complex and sometimes overwhelming process of pre-programming, site selection and evaluation, budget projections, fundraising schedule targets and outlining design and construction schedules. We know what questions to ask to move the process forward along with the vision, leadership and tenacity to see it through to the end.

Features

• Texas Tech style plaza
• Missions and discipleship centers
• Leadership conference center
• Commercial kitchen
• Event stage
• Administrative suite