Wesley Foundation at OSU nearly complete
STILLWATER — Applications are being accepted for residential space in the soon-to-be completed three-story Wesley Foundation building that sits just south of Oklahoma State University’s campus.
The $9.5 million campus ministry building at the corner of University and Washington is expected to be finished by July, with move-in by mid-August, according to Anne Walker, the Wesley Foundation’s interim director.
The Wesley’s top floor is reserved for suites of rooms that will accommodate a total of 12 students. Two students of the same gender will occupy each suite, and each suite consists of two bedrooms, one bathroom, a kitchenette, and shared living space.
The new residential space is reserved for students who are single and from sophomores to graduate-student level.
It will take mere minutes for students to walk from the new building to classes or the library. The bathrooms are “nicer than I ever had in college,” Walker said.
The building’s ground floor and second story will be open to the public for Wesley Foundation functions. Their features will include a coffee shop and communal gathering spaces.
The students who reside atop the United Methodist center will be “living directly on top of worship space,” Walker said.
She expects the new residents to find “a community of people invested in wholesome living.” They will be able to offer spiritual support to one another.
The top floor also will include a full-size kitchen, private study space, large television, and a laundry area. Plans are to hold a weekly community meal.
And throughout the new Wesley center, “there will be tons of opportunity to engage like-minded students and mentors. It will be a really welcoming space for students,” Walker said.
In June, James Hunt will become the Wesley’s full-time campus minister. Peter White will be on the Wesley staff as a mentor and spiritual director.
Fundraising continues for the project, with $1.5 million needed to complete the Wesley’s capital campaign. Separately $3 million is being raised for upkeep of the building, Walker said.