Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, has begun a $90 million renovation of the Mary and John Gray Library.
The university says the project marks the first major update to the building since it opened nearly five decades ago.
The renovation will incorporate modern technology and provide collaborative spaces, quiet study areas, and updated physical and virtual resources. The library’s exterior will undergo a transformation; much of the brick facade will be replaced by glass to bring in more natural light and create a more open and inviting atmosphere.
Texas State University System Chancellor Brian McCall emphasized the broader impact of the renovation as part of a larger investment in Southeast Texas’ educational infrastructure.
“Since 2010, Lamar University has invested $351 million to renovate and construct 47 buildings," McCall said. "This project received nearly $50 million in state funding."
The project is expected to be completed by fall 2026.
