Texas Tech University, National Ranching Heritage Center

Lubbock, Texas

Firm

Texas Tech University Facilities Planning and Construction

Client

Texas Tech University

Area

15,960 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$3,700,000

Completion Date

08/2007

This project is a combined effort of the National Ranching Heritage Association and Texas Tech University.
The association, having outgrown its facilities, needed a children’s classroom, boardroom, additional exhibit space, collections work/storage areas and outdoor meeting space.
The designer was asked to incorporate natural colors, warm woods and Mission furnishings. With limited Mission-style case goods available, the designer chose more functional desks accented with Mission seating in haired cowhide, leather and warm fabrics.
A boardroom with a coffered ceiling, stone wall, leather chairs and a 26-foot table is situated off a wide corridor with well-lighted niches housing artifacts. Existing offices were renovated to provide the classroom and new exhibit space.
Collection storage and an exhibit work room for research were situated in the basement with movable shelving for maximum use of space.
Stone walls surround the large terraced patio for outdoor functions, which ties the buildings together with the Pitchfork Ranch Pavilion. The exterior blends the facilities through the use of rough-sawn siding, natural stone and a red metal roof.