FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas (KNWA/KFTA) – Old Main has become synonymous with higher education in Arkansas – but the iconic building was once threatened with demolition.
This is an (abridged) history of the oldest building at the University of Arkansas.
Laying the foundation
Construction of Old Main began in 1873 and was completed in 1875. It was the first building on the University of Arkansas campus.
The building was originally known as the “University Building” until additional campus structures were added and it was then referred to as the “Main University Building.”
In 1895 it was renamed University Hall, but remained affectionately known as Old Main.
The Second Empire style building has five front sections, including two towers and a mansard roof. Most of the materials, such as sandstone, local brick, limestone and Ozark lumber, were sourced from Arkansas.
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Why do the towers have two different heights? Popular theories suggest that this change was either a mistake or a nod to the North’s victory in the Civil War. In reality, the change was suggested by chief architect John A. McKay to improve the clock’s visibility from Fayetteville, according to the UofA website. Although Old Main opened in 1875, a clock was not installed until 2005 with funding from the Campaign for the 21st Century. |
Built in 1879, the bell tower originally had a hand-operated bell. During World War II, funds earmarked for a memorial chapel were diverted to purchase a carillon for Old Main’s north tower, according to a UofA Libraries collection.
These originally manual bells were replaced by an automated system in 1991.
According to a 2021 article by UofA historian Don Schaefer, Old Main was the tallest building in Arkansas for many years.
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Beautiful from the inside out
Old Main has undergone several modernizations over the years, including:
In 1918, a portico was added to the south side of Old Main, allowing cars to drive through and let visitors alight, especially during rainy weather. (COURTESY: The University of Arkansas)
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The extension of the fifth floor in 1879
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A new roof in 1885
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Connection to the city water supply in 1895
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A sewage system in 1896
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A concrete driveway and a covered carriage entrance in 1918
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Fireproof stairs, an elevator and a sprinkler system in 1948
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A botanical greenhouse in 1953 (removed during renovations in 1973-76)
Due to ongoing department moves and the completion of new campus buildings, interior remodeling was common. For example, the completion of the Vol Walker Library in 1935 freed up a lot of space in Old Main, which Schaefer said led to moves such as moving the library and the president’s office to the new building.
Due to the constant relocation of offices and classrooms, almost all departments on campus are housed in Old Main.
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Huge problems
In the 1970s, Old Main was under serious threat of demolition.
Old Main has survived several major fires, including those in 1905, 1919 and 1940. According to Schaefer, it was also spared from potential fire hazards, such as a metal forge, a foundry, wood stoves and kerosene lamps that were in use until 1889.
However, their status as “survivors” could not hide the fact that Old Main’s structural integrity continued to suffer from weathering, rot, moisture and termites.
As the building’s condition continued to deteriorate, discussions arose about whether the structure should be preserved or demolished, according to the UofA website.
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Students, teachers and alumni alike worked to preserve the historic building, including former Miss America Donna Axum Whitworth.
In June 1971, during the university’s centennial celebration, the Fort Smith architectural firm of Mott, Mobley, Horstman & Griffin (later Mott, Mobley, McGowan & Griffin) was commissioned to undertake the renovation.
Stabilization and repair work was carried out between 1973 and 1976, and further foundation work was carried out by Bennett Construction in 1982. The building was then cleared and fenced off for nine years.
In 1985, the Arkansas Legislature appropriated $4 million for the renovation, with the condition that the university would raise the remaining funds. A successful campaign raised $6 million, leading to a major renovation by Baldwin & Shell Construction that began in 1989.
New look, who’s there?
The renovation was completed in 1991 at a cost of over $10 million, modernizing the interior while preserving the historic character of Old Main.
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The original plain appearance was refreshed with new carpets, lighting and paint. The stairs were redesigned and the old elevator was replaced by two larger ones.
Mechanical systems were improved and ceilings were lowered to make room for pipes and cables.
The Giffels Auditorium was restored to its 1927 appearance and a new electronic carillon was installed in the north tower, replacing the old one that had been non-functioning for over 20 years.
After the extensive renovation, the board of trustees officially adopted the name Old Main.
The heart of history on campus
The building was the first in Fayetteville and one of the first in Arkansas to be added to the National Register of Historic Places in June 1970.
Old Main is often described as a “symbol” of the University of Arkansas and is used in many university-approved logos.
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Other areas within the University of Arkansas Historic District include (but are not limited to):
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Old main lawn
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Seniors walk
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Ella Carnall Hall
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Chi Omega Greek Theater
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Vol Walker Hall
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The Chemistry Building
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