Two years later, a third building was added at the completion of Wells Hall, named for Judge William Turner Wells, a retired Confederate officer whose plantation served as the location of the campus.

   Now, almost a century later, two of the first three buildings on campus, Wells and Sorrells Hall, are receiving a much-needed renovation and modernization. Ideal Construction Company of Crossett was recently awarded the contract to begin the renovation of each building based on plans created by the Little Rock architecture firm of Fennell, Purifoy and Hammock Associates.

   “We are excited to begin the process of upgrading and modernizing these campus landmarks,” Chancellor Jack Lassiter said. “The architects have done a wonderful job of preserving the historic integrity of the buildings while giving us a plan to make them more attractive and better able to serve the educational needs of our students.”

   Each building is receiving new heating, cooling and electrical infrastructure as well as exterior improvements, including a connecting walkway between the buildings. Accessibility issues are also being addressed as well as new program needs in the interior of both buildings.

   Total cost of the project is $4.2 million and is part of the university’s Master Plan.

   “This is another important step in our goal to update and modernize the campus for future generations,” Lassiter said. “Part of that plan includes maximizing the assets we already have and renovating these older structures is a perfect fit for that idea.”