Client: Birmingham School of Law

Hugh Locke Building

Established in 1915, The Birmingham School of Law, serves as one of the largest law schools in Alabama. In 2012, the School’s Board decided to purchase a 1920’s car dealership building that would serve as its new home. The building has a robust concrete structure that is contrasted by new wood and glass walls on the main level. A reading room and student commons lined with old law books present a vibrant transparency of the building at the street level. A new lecture theater utilizes the structure of the original car ramp inside the building. A new mock trial courtroom serves as the focal point off the main lobby.

The upper floors house administrative offices and the classrooms. At the roof level a new roof terrace creates an outdoor space for the students to enjoy the sweeping views of the surrounding city. The project achieved historic tax credits through the integration of the new systems and finishes with the existing structure. Historically accurate tile flooring was even reinstalled in the first floor as part of the credit requirements.

AWARDS

AIA Birmingham Design Awards, Merit Award, 2015