In 2005 Indiana Wesleyan, one of the fastest growing private universities in America, embarked on a master planning process for the residential campus at Marion, Indiana. The University asked us, along with the Design Collaborative and Comprehensive Facilities Planning, Inc to develop three Master Plan scenarios for populations of 3200, 4200, and 6200 students.

Our team took into account the major planning objectives of IWU as well as analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of the current campus. IWU’s main objectives included retaining its Christian foundation, strengthening its residential community focus and gradually increasing its traditional student population. The Master Plan enhanced the central core by removing intrusive parking lots, extending pedestrian walkways and locating a new Chapel in the heart of the campus. New academic buildings were also located close to the core.

New residential communities were clustered on the edges of the campus to better define those boundaries and to foster a sense of community among these small “villages.” An improved entrance drive will also enhance the experience of the first-time visitor. Since completing the Plan, we have developed site designs for several residential halls and the Student Center.