With its rising student population, the University of Oklahoma sought a cost
effective plan that would accommodate and embrace the various diversities the
institution encompassed. The university was seeking an existing facility to
house the African American student union. The existing building, a historic
horse stable designed in the signature “Cherokee Gothic” style,
was converted into the Henderson-Tolson Cultural Center which encourages leadership,
assembly, and social interaction.In developing the design plan, Cavin Design Group assessed the condition of the building, the requirements of the university, and the needs of the students. This evaluation allowed CDG to determine a design plan that improved the existing historic structure and created the most efficient spatial use for the renovation. On the exterior facades, CDG restored worn masonry, a leaky roof, and installed new historic profile windows to give the building a structural face-lift. To utilize the full potential of the building’s space, CDG designed the student union to provide accessible circulation between the offices, conference rooms, library, reception hall, and kitchen. In addition to the reconfigured floor plan, the building was retrofitted with an elevator, new ADA compliant stairs, state of the art HVAC, and an upgraded electrical and communication system.
The new renovation
provided Henderson-Tolson Cultural Center with a renewed life and purpose. It
featured modern amenities wrapped in a unique, historic building that complemented
the campus and attracted student activity.