In less than a year, McPherson College will open the doors to its new 55,000-square-foot landmark structure at the entrance to campus. The Campus Commons, currently under construction, is the centerpiece of a significant campus update, including two other new buildings. U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (KS) recently visited McPherson College and viewed the construction progress firsthand. The ongoing construction represents the largest-ever single investment in new buildings in the college’s 137-year history.
The Campus Commons will serve as a hub for students with new dining, coffee shop, campus store, student clubs, activities and lounge spaces. The upper levels will contain student services, administrative offices, and a welcome center for events and gatherings.
The Boiler House and Holman Sport Center expansion are two additional major projects that funded partly by a successful $55 million campaign. The Boiler House, a new campus café in the middle of campus with indoor and outdoor seating, will be completed in August 2024. The Holman Sport Center project, which features more than 4,500 square feet of added space and renovation of another 2,000 square feet, was completed in February 2024.
“We are changing the face of our campus in a way that puts the needs of our students first and provides them with a better academic and social life,” said McPherson College President Michael Schneider. “The new Campus Commons is at the forefront of a campus redesign, moving McPherson College away from the traditional residential campus to a modern living community.”
The prairie-inspired design of the new Campus Commons features two main entrances and numerous large windows that offer beautiful views of the prairie from the third floor. With a nod to the college’s acclaimed Automotive Restoration program, the three-story atrium will include a chassis of a classic car suspended from the ceiling. Clearly seen when exiting from I-135 into McPherson, the new building changes the landscape of the campus and community. Donlinger Construction of Wichita, builders of Exploration Place, is the general contractor for the project. It is expected to be completed by June 2025.
A detailed description of the building and artist renderings of the project are at www.mcpherson.edu/comingsoon.