March 31, 2021
Dear Norman Campus Community,
Our Lead On, University strategic plan for the Norman campus puts at its center the student experience, which requires us to invest in providing premier on-campus freshman housing. At the OU Board of Regents’ March meeting, the board approved our multi-year strategic Freshman Housing Master Plan to replace the aging Adams, Couch, and Walker Towers. It was contemplated that the first building to be replaced would be Adams Tower with completion in 2025.
Today I’m thrilled to announce the university has reached an agreement to acquire the Cross Village complex, and resolve all outstanding legal disputes, allowing us to accelerate the replacement of Adams Tower by four years. Located on the Norman campus at the corner of Jenkins Avenue and Fourth Street, Cross Village is a premier 1,200-bed complex featuring a range of amenities. The complex will be part of OU Housing’s suite of on-campus living facilities beginning in the fall 2021 semester, providing our students with a first-class residential option.
In partnership with the Chickasaw Nation, the university reached an agreement with Provident Oklahoma Education Resources, Inc., the current owner of Cross Village, to secure the property. The agreement is subject to OU Board of Regents’ approval, and the board will consider it at its May meeting. Now, with Cross Village available for freshmen this fall, we can start the demolition process of Adams Tower this summer.
Once the agreement is finalized and approved by our Board of Regents, OU Housing will begin actively marketing the property and issuing fall 2021 freshman housing contracts for Cross Village. To students who may be interested in living in Cross Village this coming fall, you will be notified when the housing option becomes available.
This agreement simply would not have been possible without the Chickasaw Nation’s help in bridging this period of time so that we are able to secure permanent financing for Cross Village. It’s thanks to them that we are able to make this best-in-class living option available to students in a matter of months. The Chickasaw Nation is a remarkable supporter of the university and has been most helpful in allowing us to reach our goals.
With this exciting announcement, we seize the remarkable opportunity to accelerate our housing plan, further cementing OU’s leadership in creating a first-class experience for our students, from the education they receive to the place they call home while they are here.
Live On, University,
Joseph Harroz, Jr.
President
