Bumps Along the Road for SMU's Bush Library

Lawsuit still pending; construction supposed to start in 2010

Lynn Blumenstein -- Library Journal, 09/03/2009

• Multiyear lawsuit over seized property nears end
• SMU gives up on pedestrian bridge
• Baylor bid details released

Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, named as the home for the George W. Bush Presidential Center (BPC) in February 2008 after several delays, is still dealing with ongoing issues--facing an unresolved lawsuit, giving up a plan for a pedestrian walkway, and dealing with newly released details of a rival’s plan. 

BPC, consisting of a library, museum, and policy center, is scheduled to open in 2016. According to the official site, the library component is supposed to begin construction in 2010 and open in 2013. Should the lawsuit not be resolved, it may impose further delays, but 2010, according to the BPC, has always been the planned start date.

Lawsuit nearing an end
The lawsuit instigated by a condo owner who claims SMU illegally acquired the condo complex to expand the BPC campus, is ongoing. Although the properties were razed, a settlement hasn’t been reached.

Last week State District Judge Martin Hoffman ruled that he will consider motions for a summary judgment on September 18 to decide a final binding settlement. The case has been in court since 2005.

No bridge to BPC
SMU just recently ended its quest for an expressway crosswalk that would connect BPC to a light rail station.

It failed to win federal funds for the project in 2006 but presented the idea as part of its bid to win the BPC. A shuttle bus is already in operation and, according to the Dallas Morning News, SMU never intended to finance the bridge on its own.

Baylor’s presidential plans
Baylor University, Waco, in competition with SMU over hosting BPC, has released more details of its 106-page presentation. Some key differences betwen the two university’s offers: Baylor offered 150 acres for the complex along the Brazos River versus SMU’s 32 acres along an expressway.

According to the News, Baylor’s site consisted of three buildings and up to five parking lots; SMU’s plan consists of one building shared by the library, museum, and policy center.

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