Florence Schneider Hall Featured in National Magazine

Western Kentucky University’s Florence Schneider Hall, home of the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, was featured in the November 2008 issue of American School & University 2008 Architectural Portfolio. The magazine, which hosts an annual competition honoring outstanding education facilities, showcases projects selected by a jury comprised American Institute of Architects (AIA) members and school administrators. This is the 26th year the competition has been held.
The jury chose to feature Florence Schneider Hall because it is an example of “great spaces for learning that are well-designed [and] multi-faceted.” It applauded the project’s outstanding design for revitalizing and refreshing the Western Kentucky University campus.

Originally constructed in 1929, Florence Schneider Hall’s classical architecture and prominent site have always made it a focal point of campus, but its badly deteriorated condition ultimately forced the University to close the facility in 2003. When the historic building was selected as the new home for the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science, The University hired RossTarrant Architects to design a major renovation and restoration project that would create a new, state-of-the-art residential and learning environment for the Gatton Academy.

“Prior to its complete renovation,” said Jeff Stivers of RossTarrant Architects, “Florence Schneider Hall was extremely dilapidated and completely uninhabitable. Through the restoration of this amazing building Western Kentucky University has not only preserved a valuable piece of history, it has created an environment that has enabled its Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science to grow and thrive.”

“Florence Schneider Hall is a tremendous asset to our program,” said Tim Gott, Director of the Gatton Academy. “The program offers an opportunity for academically talented adolescents from all across the state to gather together under one roof to advance their studies. Florence Schneider Hall has not only provided those students with the ideal environment for living and learning, but has fostered a strong sense of community among its residents as well.”

RossTarrant Architects is a Lexington-based design firm that provides architecture, civil engineering, landscape architecture and interior design services to educational clients across the state with a focus on sustainable design. Additional information about the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science can be found on the web at www.wku.edu/academy.