5th Street renovations underway

Construction began March 31 for a new fountain plaza on 5th Street in the heart of the Baylor campus. The 46-foot by 61-foot fountain--made possible through an $8 million gift from Dr. Thomas Rosenbalm, BS '50, MS '51, in honor of his late parents Clarence and Claudia Rosenbalm--is the centerpiece of the Fifth Street renovation, which includes utility and foundation work necessary to meet growing campus needs. Rosenbalm’s gift was announced by the Baylor Regents last fall.

Upon the construction’s completion, 5th Street will have a welcoming new look from the Bill Daniel Student Center to the circular drive at its intersection with Speight Avenue. This primarily pedestrian-access portion of the street will have a plaza feel while still accommodating emergency vehicles. New surfaces will include vehicular concrete, pavestone pavers, asphalt, traffic-rated grass and decomposed granite in seating and bicycle parking areas.

As in the past, the Homecoming Parade will travel down 5th Street when it reaches campus. The 5th Street parade route will direct the flow of floats and other parade participants to the north side of the fountain, toward Fountain Mall.

Construction is scheduled to be completed by mid-October, just in time for Homecoming, Oct. 22-24.