Sewanee, University of the South, Gailor Hall

Sewanee, Tennessee

Firm

MacLachlan, Cornelius & Filoni, Inc.

Client

Sewanee, University of the South

Area

41,154 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$6,013,958

Completion Date

08/2005

Gailor Hall originally was constructed as the university’s main dining hall on campus, with residence-hall rooms on floors above and below the dining hall. The construction of a new dining hall on campus led to the transformation of Gailor Hall into an academic center for the departments of English, modern languages and classics. The renovation called for the design of department offices, classroom and seminar rooms, as well as a 100-seat lecture hall and offices for the Sewanee Writers Conference and the Sewanee Review publication.
The new design created a central atrium opening using classical design elements to create a sense of community among all occupants of the building. The new lecture hall, which incorporates a mini stage with theatrical lighting, is one level below the main entry and is easily accessible from the atrium for special lectures or events.
The original dining hall contained some classical design elements, such as fluted columns, pilasters and wainscoting. Classrooms, offices and seminar rooms contain vestiges of these original elements.
Classrooms are situated on all levels, interspersed between professors’ offices. Throughout the building, small seating areas promote student and faculty interaction and private or group study.