A renewed effort to preserve the East Architecture or “Old” Architecture Building has begun with the renovation of its auditorium and original Dean’s Office. Designed by former architecture professor and director P.M. Heffernan, the 1952 Architecture Building is emblematic of assertive modernism, and is perhaps Heffernan’s most noteworthy modernist design on campus.

Thanks to the generosity of Dolores Reinsch, Lola C. Reinsch and J. Almont Pierce (Arch, 1958), the auditorium was renovated and restored to its former elegance. One of the most trafficked classrooms on campus, the auditorium also is the College’s “public” face as the venue for its lecture series and other large gatherings.

Many hours were spent researching photographs, changes, original specifications and manufacturers in the effort to reconnect to the original design. Local firm Surber Barber Choate & Hertlein, known for their preservation work, began the auditorium rehabilitation in May 2009.