Houston Baptist University

Houston Baptist University sought to expand its campus with a facility that would serve as a hub for cultural, academic, and community engagement. The result was the Joella and Stewart Morris Cultural Arts Center, which brought together four major components: Belin Chapel and Recital Hall, McNair Hall, the University Theater and Auditorium, and the University Museums.
 
Each space presented unique design and construction challenges. The circular geometry of Belin Chapel required precision framing and installation of large glass-reinforced gypsum (GRG) and concrete column covers. McNair Hall’s double-arched ceiling and tall architectural columns demanded extensive coordination and craftsmanship. The theater’s acoustical design required specialized drywall and ceiling assemblies to meet both visual and performance standards, while the museum’s ornate detailing needed exacting attention to shape, proportion, and finish.

MAREK partnered with WS Bellows and Studio Red Architects to deliver the drywall assemblies, ceilings, and acoustical systems that brought the Cultural Arts Center to life.
 
Our craftsmen installed more than 50 custom glass-reinforced gypsum and concrete column covers, some reaching over 40 feet in height. Each was integrated seamlessly into the building’s architecture, enhancing the natural light and symmetry of the design. In the University Theater and Auditorium, specialized acoustical treatments and drywall systems were installed to support high-quality sound performance for performances and lectures.
 
Throughout construction, the team worked closely with the general contractor and other trades to manage complex geometries and finishes while maintaining schedule and quality. The completed center now serves as a focal point on campus, providing a place where students, faculty, and the community come together to experience the arts, history, and culture in a setting that blends craftsmanship, design, and function.