Project Timeline
Estimated Length of Project: 6 months (June – Dec 2025)
Hours of Construction: Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in apartment units)
Order of Work: Swindoll Tower, then Washington, starting with shared spaces and then individual apartment units
Latest Update: January 16, 2026
Preparing for Apartment Work: Updated August 6, 2025
- All smoke alarms (bedrooms and hallway ceiling) will be replaced, and new wires will be pulled to each location.
- Fire alarm speakers will be replaced and rewired.
- Bathroom ceilings may be accessed to run wiring.
- Access holes may be cut into hallway walls to pull wiring into the unit.
What You Can Do to Prepare
- Move beds, furniture, and belongings away from all smoke alarms and speakers (pictures below)
- Clear space in the bathroom ceiling area for access.
- Consider covering furniture or items to protect from dust. We will work to minimize it as much as possible.
Pictures below are for Swindoll apartment work. Updated pictures will be uploaded before work starts in Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I expect work to be done on my apartment?
Swindoll began work in shared spaces and stairwells in June 2025 and will begin work in the 10th floor apartments on August 11. Contractors will move from the 10th floor down to the ground floor apartments. After Swindoll, the construction will move to Washington, with an estimated finish date of December 2025.
Construction hours will be 8-5pm in resident apartments, and 7am-7pm overall.
Do I need to do anything to prepare my apartment for the construction work?
- Move beds, furniture, and belongings away from all smoke alarms and speakers.
- Clear space in the bathroom ceiling area for access.
- Consider covering furniture or items to protect from dust. We will work to minimize it as much as possible.
Please see above “Preparing for Apartment Work” for more details.
Is the building safe to live in right now?
Yes. This replacement further increases safety of the building. The work being done is to meet new city requirements, not because the building is currently unsafe.
Where can I go to study/work when this is happening in my apartment?
We understand studying or working elsewhere during this time might be a better option for you. Our buildings offer several great options including libraries and conference rooms. We will be opening up amenities in both buildings to residents who have work being done on their floor. We would also like to remind you of the campus library and student center as great alternatives!
Letter to the Community
Dear Residents,
At the direction of the City of Dallas Fire Marshal, we need to update the Fire Alarm System in Swindoll Tower and Washington Apartments. Beyond aligning with City directives, this upgrade will significantly enhance the safety and reliability of our emergency systems, and we are grateful that the Seminary is in a strong financial position at this time for such an undertaking.
We want to be upfront: this will be an extensive, multi-step project. Expect construction noise, sirens, dust, and inspections. We sincerely apologize in advance for the disruption it will cause, and we are actively exploring ways to ease the inconvenience and to express our gratitude for your patience and partnership, e.g., providing treats, meals, and activities for residents on affected floors.
We also invite you to see this season as a ministry opportunity. The contractors will spend many weeks on campus. We encourage you to continue to reflect Christ through your kindness, conversations, and hospitality. Even a small gesture could plant a seed of the gospel, as we have seen in prior construction projects.
Timeline & Access
Work will span across every space in both buildings over the next six months, starting with hallways and common areas, and then moving apartment by apartment, one floor at a time.
- Construction hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
- Apartment access: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. only.
- Contractors will spend approximately 2–3 hours in each unit at some point during the project’s initial stage.
- You will receive at least 24 hours’ notice before entry.
- Please ensure that your apartment is accessible at the scheduled time. A $100 fine will be assessed if the privacy lock prevents access, as this causes costly delays.
A dedicated page on Housing’s Student Hub site will launch soon with more details, preparation tips, FAQs, and updates. Stay tuned to the newsletter for more information.
Thank you in advance for your patience, flexibility, and grace as we complete this upgrade. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Housing Office.
Sincerely,
Karl Hanschen
Director, Housing & Operations Program Management
Brian Gerberich
Senior Director, Facilities & Utilities Management
Glenn Monro
Executive Director, Facilities Operations & Construction Management
Robert Riggs
Senior Vice President, Campus Operations & Institutional Efficiency
