Arkansas Tech University has utilized grant funds from the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council (ANCRC) and institutional funds to complete a $1.1 million exterior renovation of Caraway Residence Hall.
“Restoring and maintaining a building with a rich history like Caraway Residence Hall is a daunting task,” said Drew Dickey, ATU director of facilities management. “Thankfully, the team at WER Architects and Wagner General Contractors were up for a challenge. Not only did both teams step up to the plate, but they worked hand-in-hand with Arkansas Tech to make sure we got the best product possible. We look forward to many more years with Caraway Residence Hall thanks to WER, Wagner General Construction and the ANCRC.”
The scope of the project included removing and replacing clay roof tiles, repairing roof decking and replacing roof underlayment, flashing and decorative railing.
Additional enhancements during the renovation included repairing and replacing doors and windows, repairing masonry, trimming and pruning trees and sidewalk repair.
Caraway Hall opened in March 1935. Federal grant funding from the Public Works Administration helped make the colonial style structure possible. The building was named in memory of the late Sen. Thaddeus H. Caraway and dedicated in October 1935. Caraway’s widow, Sen. Hattie W. Caraway, spoke at the dedication.
Caraway Hall was named to the National Register of Historic Places on Sept. 10, 1992. Today, it serves as sorority housing for 88 ATU students each semester.
The exterior renovation of Caraway Hall was made possible by an $857,492 ANCRC grant and the commitment of $218,730 in institutional funds by the ATU Board of Trustees during its meeting on May 31, 2022.
According to its Web site, the ANCRC was established by the Arkansas Legislature in 1987 by Arkansas Act 729 (now codified as Arkansas Code Annotated 15-12-101 through 15-12-103). The act created the ANCRC to manage and supervise a grants and trust fund for the acquisition, management and stewardship of state-owned properties acquired or used for ANCRC approved purposes.
The grants are funded through state’s real estate transfer tax. The ANCRC consists of eleven voting members. Grants from this fund are for projects that protect and maintain state-owned natural areas, historic sites and outdoor recreation.
