University of Oklahoma to expand, renovate Hester Hall

The OU Board of Regents approved a plan that calls for $13.5 million in renovations and expansions to Hester Hall.

University officials plan to fund the project with bond funds that have been set aside.

Hester Hall houses the newly established College of International Studies.

OU President David Boren announced the creation of the college early last year.

The college is one of the fastest-growing programs in the university, OU spokeswoman Catherine Bishop said, and the renovations will help the college keep up with that growth.

In 2007, the university completed a renovation project at Hester Hall that included creating a space for the College of International Studies and reroofing the building.

The new project will include an addition on the building's west side that will become the college's front door.

The addition will include a two-story lobby, office space and a study area. A smaller, one-story addition will house offices, classrooms, a conference room and a seminar room.

Also during the meeting, the board approved the university's bid to hire Oklahoma City-based Flintco as construction manager for expansions to the L. Dale Mitchell Baseball Park and Softball Facility.

The project will include improvements to spectator seating and fan amenities at both the baseball and softball stadiums.