Project File: Preserving a landmark

Dec. 1, 2005
Walker Hall at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind, Spartanburg, S.C.

Walker Hall at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind, Spartanburg, S.C., was constructed in 1859. The 68,000-square-foot building is home to a myriad of educational programs for 400-plus K-12 students with severe sensory and mobility limitations.

Over the past 100 years, it has undergone two additions and significant alterations. The Greek Revival-Italian Villa style core structure recently was preserved and modernized, including innovative ADA and building-code compliance, a complete interior renovation and an exterior restoration. Antiquated infrastructure, safety and accessibility issues were addressed in the $12 million project.

The building houses administrative offices, classrooms, a dining facility, a state museum for the deaf, and a 600-seat auditorium. Balustraded interior balconies, a central entrance with a circular skylight and a pedimented portico were preserved.

The architect for this project is McMillan, Smith & Partners, PLLC (Spartanburg, S.C.).

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