Austin, Texas — Boxes are being packed, offices are being cleared and Huston-Tillotson University (HT) administrators are finding temporary homes across campus as HT prepares for another major investment in Bluebonnet Hill. And the reason for all the moving? A major renovation is about to begin.
Work will begin July 29 on the historic Anthony and Louise Viaer Alumni Hall, affectionately known across campus as the “White House.” The $610,221 project, made possible through a grant from the National Park Service.
“We were very excited to receive word that we had been selected to receive this high-competitive grant totaling $610,221 from the National Park Service,” said Canary Dennis, Director of Sponsored Programs and Title III Programs.
Built in 1914 by students enrolled in the institution’s industrial education program, the Anthony and Louise Viaer Alumni Hall is one of HT’s most significant historic structures. Renovations will include replacing floors, reinforcing the stairs and painting.
“This one is especially meaningful to me,” President Melva K. Wallace said. “The White House, which is a cornerstone of our campus, has been my campus home for the past four years, and for that of at least two of my predecessors. There is history in this building. To receive a competitive grant that allows us to care for it and prepare it for the future is exciting, and it is another example of the progress taking place across our campus.”
Wallace said the project continues a series of campus improvements undertaken during her administration as HT advances its strategic vision, From First to Foremost.
“One of the first renovations under my administration was the Mary E. Branch Gymnasium, where we added HVAC and made a longtime campus facility more comfortable for our students and community,” Wallace said. “We followed that with improvements to our student residence halls through a congressional appropriation secured with the support of Congressman Greg Casar. Now, we are turning our attention to another important part of our campus history. From First to Foremost is not simply about where we are going. It is also about taking care of what has carried us this far.”
Before the work can begin, though, there is the matter of finding temporary office space for employees throughout a campus where available space is already limited.
“There’s a lot of excitement about renovating a building that HT students built, but the immediate challenge is finding temporary space for everyone who has to move out of the White House,” said Dr. Kenneth Crawford, Chief Operating Officer. “I’ve joked that it feels a little like playing Tetris — figuring out who can go where when we simply don’t have much space. Working with our Director of Human Resources on this transition has also highlighted just how important additional and upgraded space is for our growing campus.”
Human Resources Director Quinika Qualls, who is working alongside Crawford to facilitate the move, said, ““Temporarily relocating 18 employees from eight key offices has required some creativity and flexibility. Our priority is making the transition as smooth as possible while ensuring the work of the University continues without interruption.”
Administrative services will continue during the renovation, with employees working from temporary locations across campus.
About Huston-Tillotson University
Huston-Tillotson University, the first institution of higher education in Austin, Texas, has roots dating back to 1875. HT is an independent, church-related, historically black, four-year liberal arts institution located on a 23-acre tree-lined campus near downtown in East Austin. Huston-Tillotson University’s mission remains committed to its legacy of educating a mosaic community of learners while cultivating innovative leaders who are dedicated to academic excellence and service. The University offers associate and master’s degrees in addition to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in more than 19 areas of study. Huston-Tillotson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees. HT is also an NC-SARA school. For more information, please visit www.htu.edu.
