University of Arkansas | Vol Walker Hall

Built in 1935, Vol Walker Hall is the university’s original library and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. When a new library was built elsewhere on campus, the University used this as an opportunity to convert Vol Walker Hall into a new home for the School of Architecture.

As the preservation consultants for the existing building, MTFA helped design the connection between the existing building and new additions, surveyed the condition of all historic materials, developed a treatment plan for the historic components of the building, and design processes for the restoration of the exterior limestone walls, original steel windows, and interior materials.

We worked closely with the design architect to develop an egress strategy to add new interior stairs and provide new access to the building through existing historic openings allowing connections to the main lecture hall, new studios and office spaces located in adjacent additions.

Awards: AIA Gulf States Region Design Award, AIA Arkansas Chapter Design Award, Architects Newspaper Building of the Year

This project was performed in collaboration with MTFA Design + Preservation.