About a decade ago, Baylor set out to complete major renovations of each of its legacy residence halls. Each would go offline for a year, during which time it would receive a head-to-toe update.
Penland went first, followed by North Russell, South Russell, Martin, Collins, Memorial and Alexander — and now, newly completed in time for the 2025-26 school year, Allen and Dawson. (Work is already underway on Kokernot, which should reopen in 2026 to welcome the next class of Bears.)
The new-look Allen and Dawson halls were unveiled at the start of the semester, just in time for Move2BU. The renovation was extensive, including updates to all bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas, the addition of more communal spaces, plus plumbing, electrical, etc. A two-story common area now connects the men’s and women’s sides with a shared living, cooking and studying space.
Here’s what Allen and Dawson look like for today’s residents:
Allen and Dawson are today home to the men and women, respectively, of the LEAD (Leadership, Education and Development) Living-Learning Community — connecting the in- and out-of-classroom experience for School of Education students. The buildings also share a hall director, residential chaplain, and faculty-in-residence, each of whom live on the premises, right alongside the students they serve.
Sic ’em, Allen/Dawson!