Baylor School is launching Forever Forward, the largest fundraising effort in the school's 124-year history, in order to raise $45 million for improvements and projects throughout the school's campus.
At the center of the campaign is a $13 million academic center that will be built on the site now occupied by the Trustee Hall. It will replace what is now classroom space that has been deemed "sub-standard" by school officials, according to a news release.
"Our Forever Forward Campaign will pave the way for important capital improvements and renovations, while also strengthening the endowment," Headmaster Scott Wilson said in the release.
"Thanks to the outstanding leadership of campaign chairman Zan Guerry, [Class of] '67, the campaign committee, and many generous donors, we have already raised in excess of $33 million in gifts and pledges, completed a renovation of Guerry Dining Hall, and made important upgrades to dormitories," he said.
Renovations to the dining hall were completed in August 2015 and included an improved serving area, a modernized kitchen and a remodeling of the main dining area, according to the school's website.
The new student center is designed to be flexible and sustainable for the next 100 years, but the architecture of buildings already on campus was considered in its design and the new building will complement Baylor's existing aesthetic, officials said.
The campaign also is intended to raise $15 million for the school's endowment to provide a solid financial foundation for future initiatives.
Finally, the campaign will allow the school to transform Baylor's quad from asphalt to a landscaped green space, as well as improving traffic patterns and parking.
Anyone interested in learning about the school's plans or giving to the campaign can do so on the school's website.
Contact staff writer Emmett Gienapp at egienapp@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6731. Follow him on Twitter @emmettgienapp.