THE R E N O V A T I O N O F O L D M A I N
RESTORING MCMURRY ’s CR O WN JE WEL The renovation of the iconic Old Main Building will preserve the richness of the past and provide an exclamation point to the future vision of McMurry University. The $8 million project will complete the construction projects funded by the successful Shaping the Future capital campaign. Bishop Dan Solomon, 1958 McMurry alumnus and University Bishop in Residence at the University, referred to the $8 million renovation of Old Main as “the crown jewel of the campaign.” “From our beginning in 1923, Old Main stood solitary and inviting on a hill in southern Abilene to mark a new educational adventure, and from that time to this, it still symbolizes our mission to provide our students today with a memorable educational adventure,” Bishop Solomon said. Old Main was the centerpiece of McMurry College from the beginning as reflected in Pride of Our Western Prairies, A History of McMurry College from 1923-1988: “Soon after McMurry College was established in Abilene after an offer from the Chamber of Commerce of $300,000,… the construction of the first building, now the Old Main Building, was begun in April 1922. By opening day, September 19, 1923, the administration building was ready for use. The three-story building was constructed of light-colored brick. The interior woodwork and the doors were of golden maple as were the floors. The science laboratories and fine arts department shared the third floor. The latter was equipped with studios and several practice rooms. The library was located on the west end of the second floor, and the classrooms on both the second and first floors. The college administration offices completed the first floor.” After the death of McMurry founder, Dr. J.W. Hunt, a memorial was established on the
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McMurry University
second floor of the Old Main Administration Building next to the library as a gift from the Class of 1936. It was created to house artifacts and “other valuables made sacred by Dr. Hunt’s use.” The Hunt Collection is now located on the third floor of the Jay-Rollins Library. Old Main has seen several small renovation projects over the years, but it has never seen a total renovation such as is planned for the
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