An Emerging Vision

Phillips Theological Seminary is creating a new “place of belonging” called Bedford House on our Tulsa, Okla. campus near historic Route 66 to support students, wherever they may reside, as they build the kind of relationships and have the conversations that form good ministers and theological leaders.

To provide gathering space, offer short-term lodging, and extend greater hospitality to students and guests, the Bedford House at Phillips will be a new structure on the current campus. The building will create a physical space to embody Phillips’ concern for all people and our intention to cultivate vital congregations, communities, conversations, and the public good.

Phillips has evaluated student interest in such a space, consulted with experts in the hospitality industry, and considered many possibilities for the use of the space beyond lodging. Features of Bedford House include:

• 25 hotel-quality rooms, each with an en suite bathroom.
• 2 extended-stay apartments with kitchenettes for visiting scholars and other guests.
• Space where guests may prepare their own meals and snacks.
• Dining area to create opportunities for students to gather and share meals in groups.
• Comfortable, informal gathering spaces for groups of guests to step away from their rooms for downtime.
• Meeting rooms for groups to study or collaborate on coursework, also available for outside groups to use.
• Conference center meeting rooms, large and small.
• Additional offices for Phillips staff.
• Fitness room with exercise equipment for use by guests, students, and faculty/staff.
• Outdoor spaces, including an ADA-accessible labyrinth and garden.
• An art gallery with works representing artists from diverse ethnicities and backgrounds.
• Welcome Desk to serve as the check-in point for guests.
• High-speed internet throughout the building.

Phillips engaged a team of professionals to design and build the new structure, including KKT Architects, Link Group Consulting, and Nabholz Construction.

The budget for the project is $15 million.