Aggie Apartments
Having a need for updated and additional student residences, Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) constructed a series of three-story apartment-style dwellings on the south side of campus beginning with groundbreaking on October 29, 2003. The architectural firm of Guest Reddick of Fort Smith, Arkansas, designed the complex, and it was built by the Gail Armstrong Construction Company of Norman, Oklahoma.
The single-sex, four-person occupancy suites include four bedrooms, closets, a common living space with minimal kitchen amenities, vanities, and a single bathroom. The complex houses a maximum occupancy of 144 students. Adjacent to the apartments, a single-story clubhouse offers laundry facilities, a lounge, restrooms, mailboxes, and study space. A gazebo with grills, picnic tables, and an underground weather shelter rests on the lawn of the complex. Convenient and commodious parking finished by Highway Contractors, Inc. is offered for residents.
Except for Aggie Hall, each building carries the name of a specific financial sponsor. Sexton Hall is named for long-time music instructor, Robert Sexton, while PTCI Hall bears the name of the Panhandle’s local telephone cooperative which has its headquarters in Guymon, Oklahoma. Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Draper from Guymon sponsored the clubhouse—the Garrett Leo Draper Clubhouse—to honor their son.
This project marked the first housing addition to campus since the 1960’s. The buildings’ dedication occurred at 4:00 p.m. on August 28, 2004, with a host of dignitaries, including the Chancellor of the Oklahoma State Regents of Higher Education, Dr. Paul Risser; and District 61 Oklahoma State Representative Gus Blackwell; Oklahoma State Senator Owen Laughlin; and Guymon Mayor Jess Nelson. The festivities coincided with a tailgate BBQ to kick off the first Aggie football game of the season.