RENOVATION RECHARGES SEMINARY

The buildings of academia sometimes signify what institutions value most: their history. In the halls of columned campuses and ivy-covered edifices, preservation of the past is priority. Yet, sometimes a historic building also stands for the future. From these halls comes a passion for tradition and innovation.

Such is the case with American Baptist Seminary of the West. The school is celebrating the reopening of its main building, Hobart Hall, after a three-year, $3 million renovation.

"This building blesses a rich past and it houses a powerful vision for the future—to be a place of learning for leaders who are passionate about transformation," says President Keith Russell.

Designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan, the four-story Hobart Hall rises above historic People's Park and looks north toward the University of California. Its red brick, dormers, and generous windows were a template for other buildings on the seminary's campus. Dedicated in 1921, Hobart Hall was described by former President Sandford Fleming as a "first-class modern building of reinforced concrete frame and red brick exterior, which received much favorable comment."

The renovations preserved Hobart Hall's historic character yet also added state-of-the-art functionality. The building was gutted on the inside in order to retrofit the walls against earthquakes. An elevator was added and new offices and meeting spaces created. Crouch Memorial Library was transformed into a "smart classroom," with built-in audio/visual equipment.

Students are enjoying Drexler Student Commons, a spacious new lounge with fireplace, comfortable seating, and a bank of computers. The renovation of the commons was made possible through a generous gift from Fred Drexler in memory of his father, Frederick I. Drexler, D.D., founder of California Baptist Theological Seminary, one of the forerunners of ABSW.

"It's just nice to walk into a beautiful place like this," says first-year M.Div. student Manuel Magana.

Further improvements are in the works on the fourth floor. A large commons area opens to skylights 20 feet above. A mezzanine with study carousels rims the room. Also on the fourth floor is a new kitchen and guest apartment for visiting scholars, pastors, and missionaries.

Middler Larry Fewell is proud of the improvements. "Facilities help to set the atmosphere and how the seminary feels about itself," he says. "It's about the seminary's self-esteem."

He adds, "This work conveys to students that the seminary wants the best for its students - the best in facilities and education."

A Foundation for Future Improvements

Generous support from friends and alumni made the improvements possible. Over half the cost, or $1.6 million, was raised through the seminary's 21st Century and Hobart Advantage campaigns.

In February, seminary trustees approved the sale of Bratcher Hall, an apartment building, to cover the remaining costs for Hobart Hall. The proceeds will also provide a solid financial base for future campus development. Seminary officials envision the construction of additional classroom and office space as well as faculty and student housing on the school's contiguous property, which covers two and a half acres.

"The real bonus of the Bratcher sale is that it allows us to look to the future," says Vice President of Seminary Relations Michelle Holmes.

An open house for Hobart Hall is planned for October 6, 2001. "We look forward to welcoming back friends and alumni/ae," Holmes says. "We're proud of the work that's been done here, and we're eager to share it."