Constructed in the 1890s, Oliver-Barnard Hall sits at the heart of the University of Alabama’s Tuscaloosa campus, sharing the Quad with Gorgas Library and Denney Chimes. The building houses the Blount Scholars Program with offices, seminar rooms, and a large gathering space featuring an exposed wood structure and painted brick walls. This major renovation brings the building into the next century for the University and its scholars, including significant upgrades to mechanical systems, interior finishes, and lighting, along with the addition of a new hydraulic elevator.
Creative solutions were employed to minimize the impact on usable square footage, preserving the building’s historical integrity while integrating modern amenities. The renovation also included the addition of a new exterior raised courtyard adjacent to the interior gathering space, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas.