Buchanan Hall Renovation

The administrative suite will be a light-fi lled welcome center for the School of the Arts providing offi ces for the dean and administrative assistant along with a conference room and waiting area. New Student Commons on the fi rst fl oor will be a place for gathering, studying and collaborating.

Buchanan Hall Renovation Under Way

By Ashley Smith

Samford’s School of the Arts began a new chapter in its history with the renovation of Buchanan Hall, which has served as home for the music program since 1958 and was named in honor of John H. Buchanan, a Samford trustee and pastor of Birmingham’s Southside Baptist Church in 1960.

The project reimagines the space, provides areas for growth and, most importantly, allows access for all students and faculty members. Davis Architects, a firm that has guided Samford’s campus design for decades, created plans to transform the interior of the building to meet the needs of students and prepare them for future careers in the arts through a world-class education.

This project is part of the university’s 20-year campus master plan. “The Board of Trustees supports this important renovation of Buchanan Hall as it will provide accessibility for all students and well-designed facilities to train musicians in the 21st century,” said William Stevens, chairman of Samford’s Board of Trustees.

“This renovation reflects the environment we want for our students,” said Joe Hopkins, dean of the School of the Arts. “It will honor the historical architecture outside while creating more welcoming, contemporary spaces inside. With the inclusion of community gathering spaces for students and faculty, the new facility will encourage interaction and collaboration, a key part of our teaching philosophy.”

A complete interior renovation began in May 2021, resulting in a state-of-the-art building with modern administrative offices, new HVAC systems, an elevator, student common areas, contemporary furnishings, practice studios, sophisticated technology resources and a new inventory of pianos. Technology upgrades and new recording equipment will allow students to create and experiment more effectively in the new commercial music area, as well as in the more established programs like composition and performance.

Fundraising for furnishings, equipment, pianos, and program endowment continues as well as the possible co-naming of the building. Julie Boyd, director of donor relations is spearheading the many giving opportunities associated with this project.

The School of the Arts continues to grow, and the new facility is already sparking excitement among current and future students. “The renovation of our Buchanan Hall serves as inspiration for prospective Samford Arts families. It speaks to the investment Samford and our donors are making in their students’ individual potential, major program and their students’ ability to make their mark on society through the arts,” said Katie Overturf, director of enrollment management.

Buchanan Hall is scheduled to be ready for the 2022 fall semester. ◗

For more information about this exciting project, contact:

Julie Boyd Director of Donor Relations, School of the Arts 205-726-4656 | jboyd10@samford.edu