Vol Walker Hall renovations, new design center now complete

The Steven L. Anderson Design Center, as seen from the west side of Vol Walker Hall.

Photo by Todd Gill, Flyer staff

Officials last week celebrated the completion of the renovation and expansion of Vol Walker Hall, which houses the Fay Jones School of Architecture on the University of Arkansas campus.

Construction began two years ago on the 34,320-square-foot addition, made possible by a $10 million gift from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation.

The Steven L. Anderson Design Center addition, which was built on the west side of Vol Walker Hall, will enable the school to house the architecture and landscape architecture departments under one roof, along with the interior design program, which became part of the school in July 2010.

The project will also allow the architecture school to increase enrollment by at least 20 percent.

The new facility includes several design studios, a computer lab, a design shop, a 200-seat lecture hall, a securable exhibition gallery, student and faculty lounge areas, and a “green” roof.