The Citizen Architect BSA by belindastewartarchitects

THE CITIZEN ARCHITECT BELINDA STEWART ARCHITECTS, PA

THE CITIZEN ARCHITECT BELINDA STEWART ARCHITECTS, PA FOREWORD BY ROBERT IVY, FAIA INTRODUCTION BY KITTY DUMAS

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the copyright owner. All images in this book have been reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the artists concerned, and no responsibility is accepted by producer, publisher, or printer for any infringement of copyright or otherwise, arising from the contents of this publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that credits accurately comply with information supplied. ©2022 Belinda Stewart Architects, PA 61 N Dunn Street Eupora, Mississippi 39744 Printed IN CHINA through Asia Pacific Offset ISBN 978-0-578-73300-5 Author(s): Belinda Stewart Architects, PA Kitty Dumas Robert Ivy, AIA Design and Layout: Brittany Riland CONTACT US: Belinda Stewart Architects, PA 61 North Dunn Street Eupora, MS 39744 662-258-6405 bsa@belindastewartarchitects.com www.belindastewartarchitects.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS Foreword by Robert Ivy, FAIA

Our Story by Kitty Dumas

Courthouses Pontotoc County Courthouse

Bolivar County Courthouse

Monroe County Courthouse

Civil Rights Tallahatchie County Courthouse

Amzie Moore House Museum

Ida B. Wells Gallery

Depots

Educational Old Main Academic Center

105

Historic YMCA Building

111

Lloyd Ricks Watson Building

119

Governmental Claiborne County “Matt Ross” Administration Building

127

Walthall Jail

131

Pontotoc Chancery Buildings

135

Residential Sundbeck Residence

141

Springhill Schoolhouse

145

Carroll House

149

Delta Blues Museum Muddy Waters Addition

Collins Depot

Project Building

153

Mantee Depot

Biographies

156

Oxford Depot

Firm Awards

162

Other Significant Projects

167

Project Credits

190

Cultural Bay St. Louis Community Hall

Natchez Trace Visitor’s Center

Cotesworth House & Library

Center Stage Theater

Authenticity. In reviewing Mississippi architect Belinda Stewart’s accumulated projects for this monograph, authenticity, that much debated and discussed term, immediately comes to mind. The term applies to her work as well as for her life choices, for they combine into a longstanding commitment to people and places. In her own way, she has looked at the landscape that surrounds her, examined its built heritage, and sought to highlight what was real, what was true, and what was intended, then recast and reframed them for a 21st century society. Her authentic architecture is always grounded in place. The body of work presented in this monograph in her home state consists of no high-rise towers, no computer generated formal inventions, no massive or looming structures that dominate the international blogs and websites. Instead, her new buildings often refer to vernacular archetypes or historic references complementary in scale and range to real locales where they stand. Preservation of significant buildings already in place completes the equation. After spending the earliest working years in the city of Durham, North Carolina, she went home. Far from urban, the state of Mississippi she returned to typically consists of small towns dotting a warm, green topography of woodland and rich agricultural land. Its buildings, and its built heritage, reflect the fulsomeness of the American stylistic range in the 19th and 20th centuries, from courthouses and iconic town squares to waves of historicist revivals on university campuses and in residential construction. She clearly has absorbed and appreciated them all.

Those small towns were forged in community, another key term in understanding her work. Belinda invariably recognizes, listens to, and honors the citizens who made each place and inhabit them today. She has had the heart, the authentic desire, to sit with the people and hear who they are, what moves them, and what they care about. Whether strict county supervisors, school boards, initially skeptical civic groups, or individuals, she consistently returns and makes herself available to hear and ultimately to respond to them all, a valuable quality. By responding to these communities of people, she ultimately accords each person, each group the inherent dignity that she recognizes in each individual. Notably at a time of heightened racial attention, and movements toward social justice and equity, she can count significant work highlighting key places and people in the civil rights struggle in Mississippi. Most notably, she renovated the Tallahatchie County Courthouse, the site of the trial of the infamous duo that murdered young Emmett Till, an action that galvanized the nation. Other preservation efforts might seem more modest, but nonetheless important, including the saving the simple wood-frame and masonry home of civil rights leader Amzie Moore in Cleveland, Mississippi and preparing it to tell its own story. History, and the revitalization of worthwhile structures, underpin much of her best work. Examine the pages of this book, with its display of other small town courthouses. Where many other contemporary architects would expend significant energy on altering the fabric of these early buildings to reflect the maker’s philosophy or personality, Belinda has carefully stripped them down to their basic frames, allowing the original work by earlier talented architects and craftspeople to shine through. Plaster walls, stained wood trim, occasional reorientation of spaces to their original directions, together with period carpeting and contemporary heating and air conditioning systems, allow these spaces to shine. She has sought, and found, a balance, practicing climate action through the inherent

thrift of salvaging buildings, in which the accumulated materials and carbon legacy might have otherwise been discarded. Saving buildings saves the planet, and saves the community fabric. Such seeming humility belies an ambition to know and to understand how things work and how they fit. Since the 1980s, Belinda has increased her own knowledge in historic properties through formal association and leadership with preservation groups, such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Mississippi Heritage Trust, as well as the Association of Preservation Technology. She values craft, an interest shared with her husband Michael, a skilled stonemason. She often works to incorporate the work of craftspeople and of talented community members in her new work. In Port Gibson, Mississippi, Belinda met with a group of female quilters, African-American women who regularly gathered downtown to socialize while producing handsome woven fabric coverings. To memorialize their work, she incorporated a quilting bas-relief in her new addition to the Claiborne County Administration Building, a structure that lies across the street from the original downtown quilting club. The people’s handwork has been etched into the building’s exterior stucco, a witness to the community that this new community structure serves. To these architectural qualities should be added willpower. Belinda has chosen to work in Mississippi, an economically challenged state that requires staying power, as universities, counties, and towns make plans but sometimes lack funds to exercise them completely. Belinda has managed to work with the clients and commissioning authorities over a period of time, sometimes years, until their individual projects can be funded and finished. That determination underscores her success. Seriousness and determination, together with her personal qualities of openness and personal social interest, continue to win her clients. These personal qualities and values spill over to her office, based in her hometown of Eupora, Mississippi, where she champions the work

of the individuals who gather to make the work together, and to her home in nearby Walthall, where she has served as longtime mayor. If it were not clear from the outset, I have known her since her beginnings at Mississippi State, have worked with her in my own office, and as a consultant to her office briefly, during my transition from architectural practice to full-time writing and editing. I continue follow and to admire her work. In her quiet way, she has saved important structures throughout out landscape, returning them to their original, life-affirming selves, their architectural power intact. At the same time, she invests place-specific buildings and projects with newfound dignity, while bringing hope and civic pride to small towns. Both in revitalized, historic structures and in new architecture, Belinda Stewart Architects is championing the people and sometimes overlooked places throughout this quadrant of the American South. The title of this book is apt, for Belinda Stewart and her architectural practice embody its qualities through her life and work, that of an authentic Citizen Architect.

Belinda Stewart and her architectural practice embody its qualities through her life and work, that of an authentic Citizen Architect.

Our rural location inspires our professional life. The energy of a small town has great power to foster creativity. We are people committed to place. Each building we work on has a story - whether it is a rich history waiting to be rediscovered or a new dream waiting to be unleashed. Belinda Stewart, FAIA

Belinda grew up visiting this phenomenal cantilevered barn near her hometown of Walthall, MS. This photograph was taken in the 1980s when she began studying historic architecture in her hometown and surrounding county. It became the inspiration and laboratory for the study of vernacular architecture and how it could inform new design thought.

OUR STORY The Storytellers

“Our rural location inspires our professional life. The energy of a small town has great power to foster creativity. We are people committed to place. Each building we work on has a story - whether it is a rich history waiting to be rediscovered or a new dream waiting to be unleashed.” Belinda Stewart, FAIA Like good Southern literature, the story of Belinda Stewart Architects is uncommonly rich, filled with equal parts history and grit, and more than a few houses, courthouses, a jailhouse, university landmarks and depots. Just like those plots that capture our imagination, without the buildings, grand and simple pieces of shelter, historical significance and community identity, there would be no story at all. Long before Belinda Stewart was a nationally recognized and respected architect, she was a young girl growing up in a small Southern town, seeking out and sharing the stories of ordinary, yet extraordinary people. In her hometown of Walthall, MS and in the larger nearby town of Eupora, the backdrop for these stories was a work of architecture, filled with meaning and history. However, it was people she admired who infused these structures with enduring character and artistry, and their towns with vibrance, wisdom, and wit. What she learned about how people and communities endure and thrive stuck with her, shaped her vision, and led to a type of success unimaginable to her as a child trailing behind her grandfather, a local carpenter. Over the past 30 years, Belinda Stewart Architects has provided architectural and preservation services for projects representing close

to $600 million in construction throughout the southeast. The firm has preserved landmarks and created new ones, from small historic treasures to large-scale new design, including the 90,000 square-foot Old Main Academic Center at Mississippi State University. Most of these projects have encompassed either historic preservation/rehabilitation, expansions or contextually inspired new design and construction. Belinda Stewart Architects has received more than 100 awards for excellence in design and preservation. Belinda is the first female architect from Mississippi to be named a Fellow by The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the first woman elected president of the Mississippi chapter of AIA. As significant as these measurements of success is the firm’s place on main street in Eupora, a unique mark in the historical fabric of the community. The firm employs 18 designers and other skilled people, most of whom moved to Eupora for a different kind of opportunity. They shared Belinda’s vision of bringing a higher purpose to the practice of good architectural design. “We have grown from that vision into a collaborative of professionals, and in many ways, an extended family. Some of us chose Eupora, because we wanted a place where we could walk to the grocery store and raise a family,” Belinda says. “Others came to pursue their profession in its purest form with a deep commitment to design, preservation, and sustainability. What links us together is that we had a choice and we chose life in small town Mississippi.” Citizen Architect A little over thirty years ago, Belinda was a young architect with a burgeoning career at a firm in the bustling Raleigh, NC area. However, more and more she began to realize that what she really wanted was to go home and use her skills to help people restore and re-energize communities like the one she grew up in. While the idea of starting an architectural firm in a community of 2,000 people might have seemed curious to some, to

Belinda it made perfect sense. For her, historic restoration and reuse was a natural choice, and the location was a strength. Her first boss, Robert Ivy, FAIA, founder of a successful Columbus, MS based firm and now executive vice president and CEO of the American Institute of Architects, encouraged her to find her niche and be the best at whatever she chose. She sought out people with the same vision and built a practice. In 1990, the term “citizen architect,” was relatively new in the field. However, Belinda had always fit the definition. The term was coined by architect and Meridian, MS native, Samuel Mockbee, who turned the field on its head in the 1990s with his focus on using the profession as a way to help improve the quality of life for people and communities beset by poverty. He left his practice and started Rural Studio, associated with Auburn University, where he trained architecture students in this philosophy. Belinda knew and admired Mockbee. “He was very supportive of our company,” she says. More than that, after he stopped practicing in Mississippi, he offered early praise for her efforts as a citizen architect, and for “keeping it going” with vernacular placebased architecture. In 2000, just two years before his death, Mockbee received a MacArthur Foundation “genius” grant for his work at Rural Studio. The simple beauty and ingenuity of local craft built with available materials, the melding of form and function, continue to influence the firm’s design decisions. As she planted her proverbial stake in the ground in Eupora in 1990, Belinda Stewart also arrived at the forefront of this national architectural movement focused on helping communities improve their built environment and the quality of life for the people who live there - particularly communities with limited resources. In 1997 she was elected mayor of her hometown of Walthall. The role gave her a new understanding of the challenges many of clients faced. She has held the position ever since. The context of 30 years of expansive work as a citizen architect focusing in part on small Southern towns is significant, particularly during a Mr. Burson Spikes, on the porch of his home – a log cabin near Bellefontaine, MS. Belinda’s visits with Mr. Spikes helped form a depth of understanding for the details and importance of the function of simple straightforward structures and the effect these have on people.

period of seemingly lightning fast economic and societal change that ravaged many rural downtowns already reeling from the appearance of discount superstores. Belinda Stewart Architects has helped people and municipalities navigate this new landscape, while also inspiring others in the field to look for meaningful opportunities to build both a life and a business in small towns.

from places she had never been. Not just an inspirational affirmation, it is a critical part of the mission, whether serving large or small communities. Grant writing and project development solutions are a critical part of “problem solving” services aimed at finding and making a way where opportunity would not otherwise exist.

Her focus on historic preservation - the reuse of existing structures and adaptive reuse - has also given her a critically important niche as the world focuses more thought and resources on effective ways to lessen human environmental impact.

Belinda and her staff have a passion for special projects with noble community-based missions. However, these are often the most financially challenging for municipalities and advocates to achieve alone. The firm’s designers, researchers and grant writers have assisted with background research and document preparation for legislative funding. They are familiar with the logistics of tax credits and incentives. They have located, applied for, and administered applicable grant programs, and even assisted with private fund raising. Their efforts have resulted in more than $25 million of additional funding and incentives for their projects. In the process, they have become extended family in the communities they serve.

“We’ve had this quote on our website for years: ‘The greenest building is one that is already there,’” says Belinda. Those words, well-known in the industry, are from good friend, Carl Elefante, a Washington, D.C. architect and former AIA president. Ever on the leading edge of national trends, Belinda expects green buildings, always her firm’s focus, to be even more significant in the coming years.

“We help bring complex projects to life through funding diversity and development, research, phasing and establishing successful local, state, and federal partnerships,” says Holly Hawkins, AIA, project manager and designer. Hawkins is part of the firm’s leadership team along with Craig Bjorgum, AIA, technical director, and Stephanie Stewart, associate AIA, studio director.

“Belinda Stewart is one of Mississippi’s unsung heroes who has used her talents as an architect to leave a profound mark on some of Mississippi’s rural communities…,” wrote Fred E. Carl, Jr. founder of Viking Range Corporation, in supporting her nomination to the Governor’s Award for the Arts, which she received.

There’s Always a Way In a corner of the large storefront window of Belinda Stewart Architects is a sign reminding visitors and passersby that however challenging or even impossible their goals may appear “There’s always a way.” The office motto, these words were handed down to Belinda from her grandmother, a woman of considerable will, herself the product of a small town. They are familiar to every client with transformational dreams who has ever worked with the firm, people her grandmother never knew, many

Nowhere has the firm’s motto and commitment been more important than in helping communities preserve and share the stories that shaped the Civil Rights Movement. Like the buildings that embody these historical events, the details and the larger national significance were languishing – among them, the story of Emmett Till. Historians agree that Till’s murder in 1955 and the outcome of the trial that followed drew international attention and energized the Civil Rights Movement. Fifteen years ago Belinda Stewart Architects was chosen by public officials in Tallahatchie County, MS to help the community restore the county courthouse, site of the murder trial. Central to the plan was the dream of

developing a museum dedicated to the events surrounding Till’s life, death and the trial that followed. The firm secured more than $1 million in grant funding for the project. The courthouse and the Emmett Till Interpretive Center are now key stops on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, and the Mississippi Freedom Trail. The project was developed in phases and plans for new exhibits are ongoing. “Belinda Stewart has dedicated herself over the past fifteen years to preserving the historic sites associated with the Emmett Till tragedy. She has been not just the architect but a full partner with the Emmett Till Memorial Commission and has been pivotal to our success in preserving this history. She knows that it is more than just about the buildings, but about how the sites and structures can help tell this story that played a vital role in the Civil Rights Movement,” says Patrick Weems, executive director, Emmett Till Memorial Commission. “…and now that Emmett Till’s story has resurfaced in the cultural imagination and attention has turned to Sumner, we have the restored courthouse, the Emmett Till Interpretive Center, and other projects in the works so that we can speak to this moment. The restoration of the Tallahatchie County Courthouse in Sumner to its 1955 condition would not have happened without Belinda’s hard work.” In addition to the Till project, the firm has worked with local communities to restore other Mississippi civil rights sites including the Cleveland home of civil rights leader Amzie Moore and the Ida B. Wells-Barnett Museum & Cultural Center of African American History in Holly Springs. Their work on historic structures across the region has enhanced and improved communities, as well as re-imagined the buildings to better support the important work that continues to be performed in them. The firm also designs phasing and sequencing processes for varied forms of relocation during construction, develops designs incorporating the latest technology in a sympathetic way, and establishes effective partnerships with people and agencies in every aspect of the design and construction process.

“We have a deep respect for the history, character and mission of the places we work, particularly when restoring historic buildings,” Belinda says. “We have developed a particular love and expertise in the restoration of sacred and civic buildings. Often the most significant and grandest structures in the area, they represent the embodied stories, ambitions and history of the community. Bringing these buildings back to their full potential inspires the development of neighboring historic and new structures, and the communities experience an increase in pride and in the general appreciation of their buildings and public spaces.” For Belinda Stewart Architects, the mission and the process of storytelling through architecture continues along with the belief in the magic of towns large and small and their capacity to endure.

Our work is more than architecture. It is a way to make a positive difference in the life of a person and their community.

BSA Office Photo -- Summer 2022

COURTHOUSES Having grown up in the shadow of the Webster County courthouse in Walthall, Mississippi, Belinda has a particular affinity for these buildings that serve and define a community. Built in the classical revival style, like most courthouses in small towns, it was the most significant and grandest structure in the area, and the pride of her hometown. She channeled that affinity and appreciation into a special expertise. Courthouses, she says, “represent the embodied stories, ambitions, and history of the community.” Returning these buildings to their original beauty and significance can also inspire development of neighboring historic and new structures. Rendering: Pontotoc County Courthouse, Pontotoc, Mississippi

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PONTOTOC COUNTY COURTHOUSE PONTOTOC, MISSISSIPPI

The project began with an existing facilities analysis primarily focusing on moisture issues, a full analysis of the facility and the planning of a multi-phased project incorporating the courthouse and the majority of an adjacent block of historic buildings. The exterior of the building was completed as the first phase – mitigating the moisture issues. The rehabilitation of the adjacent historic structures was completed next, allowing a portion of the courthouse to be vacated so that the historic Courtroom could be completed as the next phase. The courtroom was reconfigured to provide a successful functional relationship between the working areas of the court and the back court areas containing the judges’ chambers, law library, jury room, holding cell and witness rooms. On the exterior, the rich glazed terracotta detailing, the metal soffit details, and terracotta roofing were severely deteriorated. The arch topped courtroom windows had been covered with vinyl siding and many of the other existing wood windows were in poor condition. On the interior, much of the original materials and elements remained, but had been covered. Dropped acoustic tile ceilings had been added throughout most of the building, including the courtroom, along with veneer paneling over the walls. During this project, the exterior glazed terracotta was fully restored, requiring the recasting of several pieces. The metal cornice and the original wood windows were restored. A new roof and front balcony were installed. The grand front porch steps were restored, which included the removal of the non-original brick finish and providing new handrails and light standards. The interior court spaces were restored to their original character. The tall arched windows were uncovered, and the court and back court layouts were returned to their original configurations with the judge facing south. The dropped ceiling was removed exposing the original decorative plaster ceiling, wall, decorative trims and other finishes that were then restored. Elements from the original balustrade were found, replicated and reinstalled at the jury box, judge’s bench, witness stand and dividing rail between court and public areas. New pews in character with the original balustrade were designed and installed. The outline of an original cartouche was uncovered over the judges bench, replicated and reinstalled in the same location. The original “Back Court” areas were also restored incorporating new heating and air systems, electrical systems and other modern necessities while maintaining the character and original finishes of the space.

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Exterior Restoration The restoration of the Pontotoc County Courthouse was performed in phases, with the exterior being phase 1 and the interior being phase 2. Restoration of the exterior was performed and included clay tile roofing and glazed terracotta exterior detailing (cornice, columns, window sills, window heads, door surrounds, and other details). The grand front entry was restored including removal of the non-original brick paving, and provision of new appropriate railings. The exterior windows and doors were fully restored. The image above depicts the glazed terracotta column base prior to restoration.

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Courtroom The courtroom was enveloped in particle board veneer paneling, a dropped acoustic tile ceiling, carpeting and 1970s pews. No original finishes were visible including the original doors, which had been replaced with hollow metal storefront doors. The restoration of the Courtroom included uncovering the window opening, removal of the dropped ceiling, restoration of the existing windows, trim, details and installation of new historically appropriate judges bench, railing, pews and lighting. During demolition of the non-original wall paneling, a decorative paint outline was uncovered and below the words “To Thine Own Self Be True”. The outline was repainted and a cartouche was constructed by a regional artist duplicating the decorative paint outline. The image above depicts the courtroom after restoration and the image below shows how it looked before.

PROJECT INSIGHT A piece of the original baluster was found in the basement and was replicated and built into what you see today.

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UP UP

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The balconies above the entrances to the courtroom were also reopened and new brass railings that match the original were installed. A new custom wool carpet was installed with a pattern in keeping with the original details. New registers for the courtroom were hidden behind original ceiling ventilation grilles. The non-original partition walls were removed to return to the original back court and main court spaces to the original configuration. The back court was also fully restored. The original sand finish plaster was repaired and reinstalled where original walls had been removed. The back court hallway serves the judges chambers, witness rooms, restrooms, a cell and attorney chambers. Existing wood doors and transoms were fully restored and were replicated where required. Scaled down reproduction light fixtures were installed. The image on the right and above depicts the renovated conference room and the images below show how the space looked before.

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BOLIVAR COUNTY COURTHOUSE ROSEDALE, MISSISSIPPI

Bolivar County Courthouse, built in 1922, is located in Rosedale’s historic downtown which at one time thrived with growth and culture. Over the years, the character of the downtown, along with the courthouse, diminished. The courthouse had become stained, weathered, and as the water table dropped the foundations became unstable, causing portions of the building to settle and the masonry to crack. In particular, the massive record vaults on each end had sunk as much as 10 inches. This sinking caused roof drainage problems and large cracks to develop which exposed this Mississippi Landmark structure to further damage. To stabilize and restore this historic structure, helical piles were installed to lift the vaults. The cracks in the masonry and stone details were then stitched back together and the roof was replaced. On the interior, large cracks from the structural movement were repaired. Years of sporadic renovations had obscured and damaged the historic details and finishes but were reworked and repaired. The restoration revealed the courthouse’s historic character and has since spurred a revival of repair and restoration efforts in downtown Rosedale. Grant writing assistance was also provided, helping to bring approximately $1 Million in additional funding to the project.

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Exterior Structural Repair Multiple helical piles were installed to stabilize and lift each side of the building, allowing the damage to be repaired and for the exterior steel bracing to be removed. The cast stone facade was stained with decades of accumulated dirt and grime, as seen on the right. A thorough low pressure cleaning was performed. The upper image depicts the courthouse prior to structural repair. The lower images depict how the courthouse looked before construction and cracking on the facade.

PLAN KEY 1 Steel bracing 2 Vault 3 Vault 4 Structural crack 5 Cast stone entry

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Conference Room This room was subdivided into multiple rooms. By restoring it to the single room configuration, the function and historic character of the room returned. Lobby (Right) The historic terrazzo floors were restored and the walls were repaired where structural movement had significantly damaged the plaster. Vault The historic file cabinets were carefully removed as the walls and ceiling, which had water and structural damage, were restored. The file cabinets were then repositioned.

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MONROE COUNTY COURTHOUSE ABERDEEN, MISSISSIPPI

The Monroe County Courthouse, constructed in 1857, is one of the few remaining antebellum courthouses in Mississippi. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and designated as a Mississippi Landmark in 1984. The courtroom and related court areas originally covered the second and third floors of this courthouse. The courtroom had been subdivided and updated over the years with dropped ceilings and gypsum walls which removed much of the historic character. These changes diminished the acoustic quality of the courtroom and made holding court in the room almost impossible. This project removed the inappropriate interior subdivisions and finishes, and reoriented the courtroom to its original configuration and appearance as much as possible. The original remaining finishes were restored and built-in court features were reconstructed to match the original using historic photos and the few details remaining/salvaged in other areas of the courthouse. The extraordinary courtroom ceiling was restored and appropriate reproduction lighting suspended from the original medallions. Walls were treated with a plaster acoustic coating six feet down from the ceiling line and historically appropriate wool pattern carpet and velvet drapes were added to enhance the acoustic properties. The courtroom and adjoining spaces also received new mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire sprinkler systems.

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After Renovation The original remaining finishes were restored and built-in court areas were reconstructed, including the judge’s bench, witness stand, jury box, and court rail. The court rail was rebuilt to match the original using the few details remaining/salvaged in other areas of the courthouse. New audio visual equipment was installed to increase the function of the court. Before Renovation The Courtroom space was previously reduced in size and reoriented to accommodate the growing functions of court; including the addition of new walls, case work, pews and paint. Court was located on the North wall of the courtroom instead of the of the original East orientation. The Courtroom did not function with respect to lighting or acoustics and an inappropriate dropped ceiling was almost completed at the start of this project. Previous renovations replaced many of the original interior doors, enclosed the original balcony, and installed inappropriate lighting and finishes.

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Before

After

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Courthouses tend to serve the community beyond the interior walls and express the character of the place. Above: 2009 car show on the Courthouse grounds after restoration work was complete.

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Exterior (Left) The exterior of the Courthouse was restored and repaired from the cupola clock tower down to the removal of surface mounted electrical service. Unoriginal masonry openings were filled with appropriate size and type brick, inappropriate tuck-pointing was removed, and new roofing, flashings, and copper gutter/ downspout were installed. The exterior of the three connected buildings were coated with a breathable mineral coating of multiple colors – accentuating the pilasters and other detail to emulate historic photographs. Interior A handicap ramp from the gallery to upper court and handicap accessible court spaces were included along with new audio visual equipment, mechanical systems, and more appropriate seating and lighting. A survey was conducted to address the needs of the court and newer types of A/V equipment were reviewed for a less visible incorporation method.

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CIVIL RIGHTS Preservation of the buildings and stories of the Civil Rights Movement are an important part of the firm’s practice and Belinda’s work as a citizen architect. Nowhere has the firm’s motto “There’s always a way,” and its commitment been more important than in helping communities preserve and share the stories that shaped the movement. These projects have been among the most impactful of the firm’s body of work. The Emmett Till Interpretive Center and the Tallahatchie County courthouse in Sumner, Mississippi, are now key stops on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail and the Mississippi Freedom Trail. Rendering: Quitman County Courthouse, Marks, Mississippi

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TALLAHATCHIE COUNTY COURTHOUSE SUMNER, MISSISSIPPI

The Tallahatchie County 2nd District Courthouse is the site of the Emmett Till murder trial. Constructed in 1909, the late Victorian Richardsonian Romanesque building serves as courthouse for the 2nd District of Tallahatchie County and was restored as the anchor site of the Emmett Till Memorial Site while remaining a functioning county courthouse. HISTORY On August 28, 1955, 14-year old Emmett Till was kidnapped in the middle of the night from his uncle’s home near Money, Mississippi, by at least two men, one from LeFlore and one from Tallahatchie County, Mississippi. Till, a black youth from Chicago visiting family in Mississippi, was later murdered, and his body thrown into the Tallahatchie River. He had been accused of whistling at a white woman in a Money, MS store. His badly beaten body was found days later in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi. The Grand Jury meeting in Sumner, Mississippi, indicted Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam for the crime of murder. These two men were tried on this charge and were acquitted by an all-white, all male jury after a deliberation of just over an hour. Within three months of their acquittal the two men confessed to the murder. The Emmett Till murder trial has received national and international attention as the “spark that started the Civil Rights Movement in America”. As Emmett Till’s mother Mamie Till Mobley stated – “Men stood up who had never stood up before”. Three months later, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Mrs. Parks stated that she was thinking of Emmett Till during her arrest. THE PROJECT The project began in 2006 with the Tallahatchie County Board of Supervisors establishing the Emmett Till Memorial Commission to guide the development of the Tallahatchie County 2nd District Courthouse as a historic site honoring the memory of Emmett Till. In 2007 the County hired Belinda Stewart Architects to analyze the building and surrounding sites to provide a Feasibility Study to determine if the Courthouse could be restored to its appearance during the 1955 trial, after a significant renovation in the early 1970s, and serve as both a museum and remain a functioning court facility. A significant renovation was conducted on the Courthouse in the early 1970s. Belinda Stewart Architects conducted an in depth analysis of the building including a study of the historic events, a building utilization review that included a Historic Structures report by Dr. Michael Fazio, research to find photos, drawings and news reel footage to verify the configuration of the CIVIL RIGHTS | 39

spaces and details during the 1955 trial. An Architectural Analysis assessed the existing conditions of the building and determined the scope of work for repair, restoration and preservation. A phased implementation plan was developed – including the relocation of some offices out of the courthouse to provide the space necessary to restore the public areas of the buildings 1955 layout. The acquisition and rehabilitation of the former Wong grocery store building across from the front of the courthouse provided historic storefront space for museum exhibits, interpretive films/speakers and ancillary courthouse needs such as larger restrooms to accommodate visitors. Significant planning and consensus building occurred in the early phases of the project. A day of Reconciliation occurred in 2007 with the County and Commission providing a public apology to the Till family. With a public audience of approximately 500 people, the family graciously accepted the apology – and have become active participants in the restoration of the courthouse and related projects. Dr. Lawrence J. Pijeaux Jr., director of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, conducted a multi-day workshop with the County and Commission in 2009, further developing the goals and mission of the Courthouse Restoration. The County, Commission, and the architect then worked with museum consultant, Connie Gibbons, formerly of the BB King Museum & Delta Interpretive Center, to develop more detailed plans for the museum installation. These plans encompassed the use of the Annex (now known as the Emmett Till Interpretive Center) for pre-function and program space for tours and programs and the installation of limited court-related artifact display and extensive digital display exhibits in the courthouse. It was determined that the courthouse, particularly the courtroom and public hallways, was the principal artifact to be preserved to “tell the story” of the Emmett Till Trial. The first phase of the courthouse restoration was undertaken to repair the immediate structural and exterior restoration needs. The existing high silica content slate roof was removed, structure repaired/lifted and slate reinstalled with replacement slate matching the original. The exterior

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masonry was partially tuck-pointed using mortar that matched the original (tested) composition using local Tallahatchie River sand. The next phase was to relocate some offices out of the courthouse into an adjacent building on the square to provide more space in the courthouse and the rehabilitation of the Historic Wong Grocery building, including a rear addition, for museum and pre-function tour space. The third phase (2014) was the courtroom and window restoration project that included the full second floor restoration (court) and various first floor public areas, such as stairways, hallway re-opening and brick flooring removal. Considerable effort was taken to replace the 70’s storefront windows with the exact window configuration. Selective demolition was done in the first phase of construction to verify unusual window opening, as the exterior shows an arch top sash but the interior is seen in photos with square top trim. One pair of original sashes were located and purchased from a citizen of the county for use as a pattern for the replicated windows. They were stored in an outbuilding since the 70’s renovation. The existing beaded board and trim work was found in small remnants and in the original back stair and replicated for the trim that was removed from the courtroom. The original courtroom railing was mostly intact but had been moved. It was moved back to its original location and a missing newel post replaced to match the original on the opposite side. The upper court desks were replicated from the 1955 trial photographs and from discussions with citizens who attended the trial. The molded plywood “theater type” courtroom seating was replicated from photos during the trial. Restoration and enhancement of the courtroom provides a living artifact within the historic Tallahatchie County 2nd District Courthouse to help interpret the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi related to the Emmett Till Murder trial of 1955 and the subsequent events of the Civil Rights Movement in America. In the words of Tallahatchie County from the 2007 Resolution: “We the citizens of Tallahatchie County believe that racial reconciliation begins with telling the truth. We call on the state of Mississippi, all of its citizens in every county, to begin an honest investigation into our history. While it will be painful, it is necessary to nurture reconciliation and to ensure justice for all.”

Original Courtroom Historic photograph of the courtroom during the trial in 1955. This and other photographs were helpful to determine the documentation approach and guided the restoration efforts. Photo credit: The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee with permission from the University of Memphis Libraries, Special Collections.

After Restoration The interior additions were removed, original finished were uncovered and restored, and the elevator was removed from behind the judge. New windows were installed using replicas of one pair of sashes Theater seating was installed as well as all new MEP services, including ADA access. The courtroom acoustics were addressed using an acoustic plaster ceiling and the register lighting and fans were located to evoke the character of the original photo while meeting current needs. A new projector and screen were installed to drop out of the ceiling when needed. The window shades seen in the original photo were selected to allow for future projection / museum use on the shade material.

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Emmett Till family members with Jerome Little, Tallahatchie County Supervisor and Champion of this project. Photo taken after the Day of Reconciliation event in 2007.

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Restored Courthouse with replica wood windows, repaired high silica content slate roof and masonry repair

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Emmett Till Trial The courtroom size was reduced in the 1970s adding side halls and removing the original wood double hung windows and wood doors. The courtroom was heavily investigated to find original locations for railing, original materials, and courtroom bench/table configuration.

PROJECT INSIGHT Original windows, salvaged from the building when replaced in the 1970s, were found in a local shed and used as a pattern for replacement windows.

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AMZIE MOORE HOUSE MUSEUM CLEVELAND, MISSISSIPPI

Bolivar County wanted to preserve its history and saw the home of Amzie Moore standing vacant and in need of repair. Amzie Moore was a leader “a civil rights giant” in the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi. After serving in World War II, he co-founded the Regional Council of Negro Leadership, helped organize the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in Mississippi, and was the first president of the Cleveland NAACP. His home was used as a “revolving dormitory” and “safe house” for activists during the movement’s voter-registration drives in the 1960s. His many guests included Fannie Lou Hamer, Medger Evers, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Andrew Young, John Lewis, Thurgood Marshall, and Rev. Jesse Jackson. The County took on the project and received grant money from Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) to restore the building and make the home an interpretive museum to share the rich history of Amzie Moore and the Cleveland Civil Rights Movement with generations to come. They hired Belinda Stewart Architects to direct the restoration of the building to the period of significance and work with Delta State Archives (Emily Jones and Laura Walker) to coordinate the museum installation. The wood frame home, approximately 1,377 square feet, was in severe disrepair. A damaged roof, termite damage and vandalism had left this significant structure in need of a meticulous restoration. The roof, exterior walls, foundation and windows all required repair and replacement to match original finishes found through extensive research of photographs, MDAH records and site investigation. The interior finishes were investigated by pulling away paneling to find original wallpaper and through discussions with family members and photographs. The home was completely restored, including flooring repair, wallpaper installation with cheesecloth backing, electrical replacement and installation of period lighting, all new mechanical and plumbing to meet ADA standards and equipment to foster future museum equipment installation. The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation were followed for this project- it was the intent of the project to restore the home to its period of historical significance, which is the time of Amzie Moore’s involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, specifically his achievements during the 1960s voter registration movement.

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Before Renovation: Because the home sat empty for years, it suffered from a roof leak, termite damage, and vandalism. The original windows and doors were replaced with ill-fitting aluminum counterparts from a previous renovation. The front living room, bathroom, and bedrooms suffered from extensive termite and water damage.

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PROJECT INSIGHT This project spurred additional improvements in its neighborhood including a walking path from the local school to bring students to the Museum.

After Renovation: The selected wallpaper was similar to the original wallpaper that was found behind wall paneling during the investigation. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing were designed to coordinate with future planned museum exhibits and to fit the character of the home.

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IDA B. WELLS GALLERY RESTORATION HOLLY SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI

Construction was completed on the Spires Bolling House in 1858 with the help of Jim Wells, the father of Ida B. Wells, who was born on the property and later became a crusader for African-American and women’s rights. Through a partnership with the City of Holly Springs, Mississippi, Ida B. Wells Gallery Board of Directors, the Federated Women’s Club, three banks, and interested citizens, the Spires Bolling property was purchased and plans for restoration had begun. In August of 2000, the Permit Committee of the Board of Trustees of MDAH considered the Spires Bolling House for designation as a Mississippi Landmark. Since the Ida B. Wells-Barnett Museum founding 1996, it has committed itself to enriching the community by bringing outstanding works of creative expression including exhibits, dance, music, poetry and meaningful lecture series. Phase 1 of the Ida B. Wells Gallery included stabilization of the historic portion of the home, masonry pier restoration, front porch reconstruction, wood column restoration, chimney stabilization, and new roofing. Renovation and restoration of the rear addition was also included. During the selective demolition process of the rear addition, it was discovered that sections were former outbuildings consisting of historic beaded board walls and ceilings. The original finishes were exposed and the full ceiling height was maintained. New gallery lighting was incorporated as were handicap accessible bathrooms. The uncovered building elements show a history not only of the Civil Rights Movement within our state and country, but also the history of this home. ADA accessibility was also provided to the main entrance, along with restoration of the brick paved walkway. The next phases of work are to include removal of the non-original vinyl siding, window restoration, interior finish restoration, and additional museum exhibits.

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Before Restoration: The front porch needed to be reconstructed and the rear porch entry, which was connected to a later addition to the house and ramp, was used as the main entrance for the museum. After Restoration (Right) The restoration project completely rebuilt the porch floor and piers restored the brick paved walkway, and provided a new ADA ramp to the restored main front entry door. New landscaping and roofing were provided and interior rear additions were restored. New ADA bathrooms were provided in the rear addition and it was found that a portion of the rear addition would have been a relocated out building and porch. People Reverend Leona Harris (fifth from the left) was the local champion of this project. Her leadership and dedication to telling the story of Ida. B Wells in Holly Springs and to the display of African art guided this project.

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DEPOTS Once upon a time, just about anyone going anywhere ended up at train and bus depots in towns across the South. Historic depot structures represent an era of development, growth, and prosperity that no longer exists in small towns. The romance and adventure of travel, of countless farewells and returns home are still part of local history and legend. Engineer Casey Jones led trains past the Oxford, MS depot during the 1890s. When he was university postmaster, William Faulkner was a regular visitor with his brother Murry, picking up bags of mail bound for the university’s post office. Generally well-constructed in prime locations in the community, depots are important sites for historic preservation and adaptive reuse. Belinda Stewart Architects has helped to restore many of these structures often helping the community acquire the facility, provide architectural services, find funding to make the project feasible, and assist in determining its best viable use. Rendering: Oxford Depot, Oxford, Mississippi DEPOTS | 55

DELTA BLUES MUSEUM MUDDY WATERS ADDITION CLARKSDALE, MISSISSIPPI

The internationally acclaimed Delta Blues Museum is located in the expanded former Illinois Central Railroad freight depot in downtown Clarksdale and adjacent to Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club: a mecca for blues fans from around the world. The exterior concept extends the linear arrangement of the existing depot creating a space to expand the exhibit collections while showcasing the original logs of Muddy Waters Cabin. The new exhibit space allows the story of Muddy Waters to be told through exclusive exhibits and architecture while maintaining the railroad freight vocabulary on the exterior. The exhibit space accommodates a reconstructed version of the logs that were original to Muddy Water’s house taken from his home place on Stovall Farms in Coahoma County. The cabin sits at the end of the visitor experience with large windows to view downtown Clarksdale and the infamous Blues Club. The cabin was strategically placed to allow a sloped ceiling to feel porch-like where in the land of the delta heat a porch becomes a room of its own. Exposed structure and industrial materials continue the industrial and depot vernacular of the area to allow the exhibits to be highlighted in their element. The masonry end cap of the addition communicates to the industrial and agricultural building forms in the area while accommodating a steel exit stair which also creates a large masonry backdrop for event signage and projection capabilities.

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Exterior The Muddy Waters addition to the south side of the original depot encompassed the existing exterior loading platform and extended a twostory gallery and support spaces. The large windows at the south end of the building look directly at the Ground Zero Blues Club.

Interior The connector houses a smaller gallery and provides a peek at the main exhibit space. This area also houses support spaces including restrooms, a catering kitchen, and vertical circulation. The new doors in the addition match the original depot doors. The color scheme reflects the color of the earth in the Delta farming fields and the Delta’s infamous sunsets. The exterior sloped roof overhang is carried through to the interior creating the feeling of a porch. Large windows wrapping around the northwest corner aide in aligning this porch-like feel to the interior. The interior finishes include reclaimed wood flooring, tongue and groove wood siding, and exposed brick. Exposed structure can be seen while the sloped ‘porch’ ceilings are clad with wood. The second story is currently being used as a meeting room and future exhibit space. The band of windows showcases the downtown Clarksdale skyline.

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COLLINS DEPOT RESTORATION COLLINS, MISSISSIPPI

The Collins Depot (formerly the Gulf & Ship Island Railroad Depot) was built in the late 1800’s and is typical of small town southern train depots of the period. Over the years, the depot had been modified with three additions and the partial removal of interior/exterior original walls. Even with the modifications, the structure was remarkably intact with original board and batten siding, doors, windows, tongue and groove wood walls and ceiling, wood floors, freight scale (with some of the original weights), light fixtures, and details. The depot housed an auto repair shop, a church, and an auto parts store prior to the start of the project. The original depot is a wood framed structure divided into two sections, as most of the depots were at that time. The lower section served as the ticketing area with general offices, while the upper section was the freight room with loading docks. As part of the restoration, the additions were removed, deep bracketed roof overhangs were restored/reconstructed, and from historical drawings a bay window was reconstructed on the west facade. The site was developed with parking at the north end, the original railroad bed on the east side, and the covered loading dock, and a landscaped public gathering space on the west side. The restored Depot is regularly scheduled through the City for events including a meeting hall/multipurpose space for community and civic groups, weddings, parties, concerts, and festivals, giving a “new life” to the depot and serving as an icon for the City of Collins for years to come.

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Before Exterior & Interior The site was developed with stamped concrete and reconstruction and extension of the wood loading dock along the perimeter of the depot. The mayor provided a special light fixture and fountain to be incorporated into the space. This exterior space allows the depot to accommodate larger crowds when rented for events, and provides a downtown public space. Interior Restoration (Left) Original materials were restored including windows, sliding dock doors, flooring, and exposed wood roof structure. The original board walls were extended to full height to provide environmental enclosure to the space. A hanging display system was added around the space.

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Rendering Color Ways Collins Depot went through many iterations of paint colors for the exterior. We chose historically accurate colors based on research of historic depot colors. The colors chosen best fit the building and the place and community in which the project is located.

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MANTEE DEPOT RENOVATION MANTEE, MISSISSIPPI

The Mantee Depot is a significant historic landmark for the Town of Mantee built around 1910. The depot consists of two wooden structures with a covered walkway between them. The south building sits at grade level and contains two office spaces which served as the ticket offices; the north building has a raised floor level and functioned as the freight room. As part of the project scope of work, the depot was relocated close to its original location after sitting on private property for many years. The exterior non-original asbestos siding was removed and the original board siding was restored with new installed boards and new battens to match the original profile. A new roof was installed along with new wood windows. The ticket area was rebuilt using new and original studs and the freight room was realigned. ADA access to the freight room was provided by connecting a boardwalk along the east side. The interior of the freight room was restored using existing boards as wainscot material and new T&G boards above. The restored freight room doors were installed to operating condition. A bathroom was originally added in the waiting room for African Americans. The freight room will be used as a Museum and the ticket offices will be used as City Hall. The Town of Mantee, consisting of less than 250 people, has few remaining historic structures. The restoration of the Historic Mantee Depot is a catalyst to boosting further development and restoration of other buildings in the small downtown area. As the project was nearing completion, the townspeople of Mantee could begin to visualize the impact of restoring one building and now see the vision of surrounding buildings. This project was funded by a Mississippi Department of Transportation TE Grant and a MDAH Landmark Grant.

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Exterior Restored East Elevation includes existing and new siding, new windows and doors to match existing profiles and a new roof. A boardwalk was added to accommodate ADA access to the freight room constructed in the same vocabulary as a loading dock. Existing East Elevation in its location on private property in 2008. As part of the project scope, the depot was moved and asbestos siding was abated. The depot was relocated close to its original location before being renovated.

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Interior (Left) Restored freight room interior of the depot. Shortly after moving the City Hall into the Depot, the previous City Hall structure was developed by a local citizen and used as a steak restaurant – Pop’s Diner. The Freight Room was restored using many original materials. The original floors were finished and new infill floor boards were in installed where needed. The freight doors were hung and maintain working condition. The wainscot consists of original boards with new painted T&G above. The ceiling is exposed to original structure. Exterior Restored East Elevation includes existing and new siding, new windows and doors to match existing profiles and a new roof. A boardwalk was added to accommodate ADA access to the freight room constructed in the same vocabulary as a loading dock. The paint colors were chosen using a dark wainscot with a lighter base coat similar to the original paint scheme. The historic photos of the building gave an idea of the original color contrast that was used in the renovation.

OXFORD DEPOT RENOVATION UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI

During the Civil War, the original depot was burned by Union General A.J. “Whiskey” Smith and the current structure was built in 1872, in the popular “bracket style.” Local accounts suggest that the Nobel Prize winning author, and native Oxonian, William Faulkner visited the depot often. His love of the railroad is apparent in his many novels set in the town of Jefferson, in the fictional Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi. The Oxford depot provided passenger service until approximately 1941 and is designated a Mississippi Landmark. The University of Mississippi acquired the building in 1983 and partnered with the town of Oxford and the Mississippi Department of Transportation to begin the restoration and renovation of this beloved historic structure. The University of Mississippi chose to restore the building with the whole community in mind. They required a multi-purpose meeting room with adjacent kitchen, small office space, small meeting room, storage and appropriate restrooms. The existing building was severely deteriorated and many of its character defining details like the decorative wood overhang brackets, loading docks and train tracks were long gone. The supporting masonry walls were severely deteriorated and in danger of falling. The interior ticket room had been modified and the roof and floor framing were deteriorated. During the restoration, the supporting masonry walls were stabilized and the south end wall required dismantling and reinstallation of the existing masonry. Non-original paint was removed from the masonry, taking care to maintain the original freight labeling system at the interior. The roof framing was structurally enhanced, and a new cedar shingle roof was installed along with copper gutters and downspouts. The wood windows, freight doors and ticket office door were fully restored and new wood double doors installed in the existing arch topped openings. At the overhangs, the wood brackets, rafter tails, and intermediate supports were fully restored and the south end overhang was reconstructed with the help of historic photographs. At the interior, the existing 3” thick wood freight flooring was restored and the large nail holes were filled with a resin keeping the character of the original wood and the freight scale was restored. The existing original beaded board partition wall was restored and new beaded board partition walls were incorporated beyond to provide office space and a meeting room. A new antique heart pine bathroom, kitchen, front entrance counter and storage core were new elements to the design. The core provided an entry area, gallery halls and the large meeting room, while still allowing the original scale of the space to be viewed. The detailing reflects similar original approaches to materials, door openings and imagery. A new presentation wall was designed in the same details, cradling an original cabinet, which is used for presentations. DEPOTS | 73

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Before & After Exterior Oxford Depot received a dramatic transformation. The south-end overhang and loading dock had been removed over time and were reinstalled using information from historic photographs to determine the matching details. The wood freight doors were restored and new wood/glass doors were installed in the existing openings. Exterior wood bracket details were restored and replicated for the new south-end. The lower image shows the south wall during reconstruction. This view is a testament to the enduring historic construction materials. The image to the left depicts Oxford Depot after its exterior renovation and the images on the right are before and during restoration (circa 2000).

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Former Ticket Office The original ticket office had been modified over time and a new layout was designed to incorporate a conference room and office spaces while keeping the existing beaded board wall details. Entry A new tongue and groove heart pine entry wall with a table was designed to encompass new bathrooms, a kitchenette, and mechanical space. The details were designed to be simplified for the adjacent historic beaded board walls. A gallery track was included for rotating art installations along the exposed masonry walls and new heart pine core.

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CULTURAL Cultural projects have the potential to literally bring people together and create a greater sense of community. A well-designed and thoughtful teen center has the power to foster activity and collaboration, while inspiring pride in a community. Visitors centers educate, increasing historical knowledge and perspective. These heavily used public facilities provide a tangible bridge between architecture and citizens, proof that people’s lives can be positively impacted through good design. Rendering: Center Stage Theater, West Point, Mississippi

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BAY ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY HALL BAY ST. LOUIS, MISSISSIPPI

This project was conceived through a partnership between the Bay St. Louis Rotary Club and multiple Rotary Clubs locally and internationally in an effort to rebuild after the dramatic effects of hurricane Katrina. Through Rotary Club fund raising and Community Development Block Grant grant funds, the project was fully funded. The Bay St. Louis Community Hall is located within the railroad depot historic district, placed within several stately and enduring live oak trees. The new community hall meets the community’s meeting and assembling needs with a 6,600 square foot gathering space, two smaller meeting spaces, and exterior-covered porches and gathering spaces. Support amenities include a director office, prep/ serving kitchen, and storage space. The exterior spaces are just as vital as the interior, serving the needs for vendors and arts festivals. The building form and detail were designed with the architectural character and history of Bay St. Louis in mind as well as the coastal development history. The building was designed with a hierarchy of form and details. The hall is the largest form with highly detailed cast stone-like cornices and bases, brick detailing, and large windows. The smaller meeting and support spaces are a smaller form much like a historic addition would be, with a parapet wall, brick detailing in place of cast stone and smaller windows. The details also step down from stone cornice on the hall to brick detailed cornice on the smaller space. In both portions of the building the brick detailing is vital to the texture and layering of the building.

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Exterior The cast stone columns, large door, transom, and round lite enhance the scale of the building. The city-standard light fixtures were also installed not only along the street but within the parking area. The niches at the front of the building were designed for future art installations in an effort to support the large art community in Bay St. Louis. It was important to keep as much of the original remaining trees and plants as possible. Several of the trees were relocated to other areas of the site for the best location. The large, stately live oaks were fiercely protected and treated as one of the main elements to consider in the building design process. This hall not only creates an interior space for the community but also exterior space – focusing on their enduring assets.

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Interior Due to the close proximity of the hall to the highly active railroad, extensive acoustic testing and provisions were made during the design. Exterior windows were kept to a minimum near the railroad track, interior acoustic plaster finishes were incorporated as well as creative acoustic dampening behind the interior shutter detailing. The interior color scheme was reminiscent of water, sand and wood. Custom light fixtures and the picture rail track were added for more detail. With such a grand space, the light fixtures were custom made to fit the scale and character of the room. The design is a blend of historic schoolhouse fixtures and traditional bank lighting details. Concealed behind the stage railing is a handicap lift on one side and stairs on the other.

PROJECT INSIGHT The Bay St. Louis Community Hall was conceived during the “Mississippi Renewal Forum,” the Gulf Coast Design Charrette following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

NATCHEZ TRACE VISITOR’S CENTER CLINTON, MISSISSIPPI

The City of Clinton asked for a design, reminiscent of traditional building types constructed when the historic Natchez Trace was still active. The design inspiration for the Natchez Trace Visitor’s Center was based on the character of masonry structures built along the Natchez Trace. The forms, materials, and character of the center is reflective of the researched structures. A traditional building with modern sensibilities, the design is also representative of its time and place. The last portion of the Natchez Trace Parkway has recently been completed and runs along the outskirts of Clinton, Mississippi. The building contains a multi-media/conference room with adjacent catering kitchen, history/ museum room, gift shop/reception area, public restrooms, vending, and general staff offices. After extensive research, a building plan was developed utilizing forms from local traditional residential structures. The dog-trot is used to separate the public restrooms from the remainder of the building. The building appears to be two stories from the exterior, but the interior of the building is open to the full height giving the rooms the scale required to feel historic while maintaining a modern edge. The porches add another layer to emphasize the grand scale of the building. The front, back and side porches allow visitors to rest and take in the views. The selection of traditional building materials was critical to achieving the desired design effect. All exterior handrails, columns, steps, and wood details are re-milled 100 year old heart cypress. Completed with the City Engineer Williford Gearhart and Knight, Inc, the site was developed to provide for picnic areas, nature trails and views to the Natchez Trace Parkway.

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South Elevation The wood porch flooring, cypress reclaimed columns, shutters and brick details display craftsmanship and a scale that relates to the character of the historic buildings in the area. East Elevation The east elevation is simpler and reflects the various functions of the spaces within and the porch provides an informal stage area. The brick terrace and walkway lead to a large lawn and interpretive path. The sided area contains a small catering kitchen and the porch leads back to the main entrance court through a dogtrot.

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Exterior An effort was made to create a progression of spaces from the more formal brick court entry to the more informal and home-like back porch with views to the creek and the historic Natchez Trace Parkway. The entrance court and the porch were designed with copper gas lanterns, tongue and groove wood ceiling, reclaimed cypress columns, detailed rafter tails at soffit, and brick paving.

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History and Museum Room With artifacts telling the story of the area, built-in casework incorporating brick detailing a working fireplace and a scored concrete floor. Media and Lecture Room (Left) With soaring 14’ ceilings, wood flooring, detailed millwork, and a bay window facing the historic Natchez Trace Parkway. Main Entrance The main greeting room houses the information counter, gift shop highlighting local products, local authors and artists, and leads to the history and media rooms. Regional antiques were purchased for display and a custom counter and doors were built to reflect the regional historic character.

PROJECT INSIGHT “Friday Nights at Milepost 89” and other musical events are regularly held at the Visitor’s Center showcasing local musicians, singers, and songwriters.

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COTESWORTH HOUSE AND LIBRARY RESTORATION CARROLLTON, MISSISSIPPI

The Cotesworth House was the home of one of Mississippi’s most distinguished citizens, United States Senator James Zachariah George. J.Z. George is one of two Mississippians to be honored with representation in the Statuary Hall of the United States Capitol. Known for his efforts to restore government in Mississippi after the Civil War and for protecting the interests of the common man, George was nicknamed “The Great Commoner”. His home in Carrollton, MS is a great example of regional Greek Revival architecture as well as a historically significant structure. The detached library is reminiscent of Thomas Jefferson’s scheme for the University of Virginia library, with its vaulted ceiling and radiating bookcases, many of which still contain J.Z. George’s personal books and records of his time in the U.S. Senate. J.Z. George was born in 1826 in Georgia and relocated to Carrollton with his family in 1836. He was locally educated and was later admitted to the bar at age 18 with a special legislative act. In 1861, George voted for secession and subsequently served as an officer during the war. After the war, he returned to his law practice and became active in state politics. Following an unsuccessful Senate bid, he briefly served as Chief Justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court. In 1880 he became a U.S. Senator and served in that role for sixteen years. He was instrumental in the Sherman Anti-Trust Law and the formation of the Department of Agriculture among other feats. George’s greatest contribution to his home state was his role in drafting the 1890 state constitution, the same document the state operates under today. George’s key contributions and role in the modern form of Mississippi’s state government, as well as other institutions at the national level, make his home place worthy of historical significance and recognition. Cotesworth House is located in the gently rolling hills approximately one mile north of the village of North Carrollton. The 900 acre estate is on old Grenada Road in the midst of still-active farmland. The house is a two-story gable roof structure surrounded by sloping lawns, various outbuildings and large specimen trees. The primary residence is a two story wood frame house with a double pile plan. It was enlarged in the 1850’s from an earlier single pile structure that reportedly served as a stage coach inn when it was constructed in the 1840’s. The front facade of the house features regional Greek revival elements that curiously do not extend to the other facades. The front is characterized by a large flat roofed portico with giant-order square columns and a simple entablature. The entire ensemble serves as a frontispiece for the vernacular style of the rest of the house. CULTURAL | 93

The house has been modified and enlarged over the years to reflect the changing needs of J.Z. George’s family and his descendants. A library addition was constructed on the east side of the main house in 1860 and was replaced a few decades later by the exquisitely detailed freestanding hexagonal library building. A separate kitchen building, built during the same era as the first library, was also expanded into a two-story structure and then later expanded again in the 1960s into the current structure. This addition provided the George family with more modern living accommodations while allowing the original house to remain largely intact. J.Z. George first purchased Cotesworth in 1861, after having first leased the property in 1853 as part of a real estate transaction that lasted only a year. He named the house after his friend, Cotesworth Pinckney Smith, who was the chief justice of the Mississippi High Court of Errors and Appeals. Curiously, this purchase occurred shortly before George left for war and was consequently absent for several years. Cotesworth has recently been transferred to the Cotesworth Culture and Heritage Center (CCHC) after being occupied by the J.Z. George family for most of its existence. CCHC uses the house and grounds as an educational, tourist, and event facility as a means of preserving the property and providing a community resource.

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An Existing Facilities Study was performed on the buildings and grounds, which identified moisture related and structural issues. These issues were addressed in this first phase of restoration work including, exterior masonry tuck-pointing and plaster repairs, gutter and flashing replacement, site grading for drainage, crawlspace damp proofing, and deteriorated wood structural replacement. The building infrastructure was partially updated in this phase of work including, new electrical service and first floor wiring, new domestic water service, and a waste water treatment plant. A new cooling system was also integrated for the first floor. The building’s exterior facade was restored, including repair of deteriorated wood finishes, restoration of existing windows, columns, porches, and painting. A temporary ADA ramp was installed in an inconspicuous location, making the first floor of the house accessible for all visitors. These upgrades also included the modification of an existing toilet facility to be ADA accessible. Future phases are planned to fully restore the historic house and out buildings and to provide additional visitor services on the property.

Library This late Victorian library was built in 1887 and had been previously restored, only requiring minimal work during this project. The lightning rod was restored and some inappropriate wood trim was replaced. The six-sided pitched roof is culminated with a hexagonal operable cupola, providing natural light into the center of the structure. The ornate porch, accented with sawn trim, leads into the library. An original fireplace is located directly across from the entry. The remaining walls are covered with bookcases between the windows and six protruding bookcases radiate towards the center. The pine flooring is also laid in a radiating pattern.

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Interior The house contains a central hall with two original rooms on either side and the second floor is laid out in a similar manner. The interior is elegant with simple Greek Revival woodwork and details. The majority of the house is intact and retains its historic materials, hardware, and other features. Large historic wooden bi-fold panel doors separate the parlor from the dining room. A non-original floor was removed from the dining room, the original wood floor was restored, and structural reinforcement was added under the floor. Historic Stair A portrait of J.Z. George hangs in the foyer and can be seen as you enter from the historic front double doors. The rear doors to the back porch are actually one pair and one door adjacent at both sides of the pair for full hall width cross ventilation.

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CENTER STAGE THEATER REHABILITATION WEST POINT, MISSISSIPPI

The Center Stage Theatre at the historic West Point Elementary School is a historic auditorium space that had been omitted from previous restorations to the attached public school building. A group of local citizens saw the necessity for renovating the performance space so that the auditorium could be used by the school as well as for community events and performances. Private and public support were rallied, as was funding, and the project began. The project included the interior restoration of the Central School Auditorium for school and community use as Center Stage Theater. The restoration generally included seating, original finishes, window and door restoration, provision of historically appropriate lighting fixtures, carpeting and other miscellaneous elements. New mechanical/electrical systems and new theatrical lighting and sound systems were sensitively incorporated into the facility. Significant energy saving features were incorporated into this project partly through the incorporation of geothermal (ground source heat pump) heating/air conditioning systems. One of the great benefits of geothermal heating/cooling systems for historic buildings is that no outside equipment is required other than below grade wells, piping and valves. The interior equipment is much smaller than traditional systems and can be accommodated within historic buildings with less impact upon the original configuration or materials. The successful results of this rehabilitation were due to an amazing city/school board/community/ individual fund raising and awareness effort. Grant funds were received from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, National Trust for Historic Places and through the MS Building Fund for the Arts. The facility is used as the school auditorium, but is also being used as the local community theater – with a broad range of activities scheduled.

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Before and After Interior The restoration included seating, original finishes, window and door restoration, provision of historically appropriate lighting fixtures, carpeting and other miscellaneous elements. New mechanical/electrical systems and new theatrical lighting and sound systems were sensitively incorporated into the facility.

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First Floor Plan The Auditorium opens from the main hallway of the school, as well as from side entrances directly from the exterior. The stage, orchestra pit, seating area and balcony were intact. Materials were restored, seating restored, spaced to provide more comfort, new stage equipment and curtains installed and the color scheme changed to highlight the architectural details. The basement area was renovated to house the school’s band department and support for the stage. Section Cut The large stage area works well for a variety of touring performance groups, as well as for the local school. The view lines in the auditorium are excellent. The opening act for the restored auditorium was Ballet Magnificat.

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EDUCATIONAL Educational projects impact large numbers of people at a prime time in their lives - when they are open to growing and learning. These projects enhance the learning experience, both the academic and social aspects of education. Belinda and her firm excel in the analysis of existing buildings and the determination of their future use for educational purposes. Through extensive research and understanding of teaching methods the firm leads clients to development structures that incorporate the dynamic nature of education in the 21st century and the flexibility to accommodate future change. Rendering: Eupora High School, Eupora, Mississippi

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OLD MAIN ACADEMIC CENTER MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY

Mississippi State University commissioned Belinda Stewart Architects, PA to create a new multipurpose classroom building with parking deck as an inviting, welcoming, student oriented facility. They expected this non-departmental education building to fit into the traditional campus environment as well as draw people to campus. The site is located at a main public entry to the central historic core of campus adjacent to the Student Union, cafeteria and other core campus facilities, and as such, is intended to act as a gateway to campus. The site development incorporates a new transit bus hub, master plan coordination and expansion with campus energy loop, exterior student learning spaces, amphitheater and ADA vertical site circulation carved into the existing grade to mediate a 40’ grade change and interconnect the new building with the existing historic core of campus. The two lowest levels of parking accommodate 150 parking spaces, and the three upper levels house 90,000 square feet of classroom space. The parking deck is partially below grade, taking advantage of site topography while still being open on two sides for fresh air and daylight. The classroom levels contain a range of flexible classroom sizes to accommodate the teaching and learning requirements for approximately 2,000 students and associated faculty, equipped with advanced technology to meet multiple teaching styles and learning environments, from small group study rooms to large lecture and auditorium spaces. The new facility is approximately 250’ x 130’, 5 stories, with two levels of parking and three levels of classroom/learning space. The building was sited on the diagonal to minimize the exposed parking levels and to accommodate handicap accessible access from the Barr Avenue street level up to the Lee Blvd level. The design team worked diligently to design a structure in form and detail that feels related to Mississippi State University in style, building use, and history. Brick detailing, window details, and hierarchy of details were incorporated to relate to the adjacent historic structures as well as photographs of the historic Old Main Dormitory. Dr. Keenum was involved in the selection of brick and mortar for the building as well as the classroom types and configurations. The building was also aggressively designed through all facets of the building components to meet energy efficiency requirements adopted by President Keenum signing the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment on April 22, 2009, beating ASHRAE 90.1 by 30%. The structure was inclusively designed from top to bottom incorporating the concept through every aspect of the exterior and interior finishes to be a building of it’s place - Mississippi State University.

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Entry & Grand Stair (Left) The interior circulation space, including the stair, was designed for breakout and extension learning. This traditional stair with its cast iron railing, traditional wood rail caps, and woodpaneled enclosures contain four small benches for one to two people to sit and study. The astrolabe light fixtures extend from the third floor ceiling down to the first floor with star lights at the third floor. Staircase The north-facing three-story grand stair was inspired by historic grand stairs and visually connects each classroom level. The stairs provide a view of the grand entry to the intersection of George Perry and Barr Avenue, past the three-story cast stone columns. This view shows the bottom of the astrolabe fixtures and the detailed wall paneling and wall pilasters, which are continued throughout the building. Each elevator was designed with fall paneling as a wayfinding detail and each floor’s furniture was detailed as a mixture of modern and traditional with colors by floor.

Custom Classroom Spaces This classroom is part of a larger divisible openconcept learning environment. The furniture in this space allows for group learning and has 360° white board space for breakout learning. Auditorium (Right) The auditorium was designed to accommodate two 200-seat class environments or one 400-seat environment. A vertical folding wall transitions within 5 minutes, separating the space. The windows provide natural light and darken with electrochromatic glass technology for presentations. This space was designed to mix both traditional and modern styles. The building exterior lends to a heavier traditional design, while the interior space is an even mix of both styles. The ceiling incorporates articulated acoustic panels and a vertical folding wall panel that folds down to straddle a traditional wood paneled presentation stage. The lighting, HVAC, and presentation equipment were designed within the ceiling panels. The presentation wall was designed to incorporate ADA ramp access to the stage and grand piano access from the adjacent museum space. Lecture Rooms This lecture classroom is configured for rows of double-tiered seating for two-row group learning. This space was designed to accommodate potential teaching environment changes down to the raised floor. The raised floor can be removed in the future without affecting entries and exits for a flat plate learning environment.

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HISTORIC YMCA BUILDING RENOVATION MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY

In 1914 John D. Rockefeller challenged the students of Mississippi State University to build their own space on campus, the YMCA, by donating $40,000 and asking them to raise the remaining $20,000. Dr. W.A. Weatherford, an official of the Southern Area YMCA, came to the university, organized the students, and led the fundraising campaign. The money was raised and the three-story masonry building was designed by Mississippi Architect N.W. Overstreet and was constructed. The building originally contained a barber shop, café, bowling alley, recreation and game rooms, library, bookstore, small post office, classrooms, and hostel rooms. A century later, much like the original challenge for construction, MSU was now tasked with renovating the greatly-loved historic YMCA building to meet today’s use needs. It had undergone multiple renovations and had become underutilized but was central to recent development and is currently adjacent to the Student Union, the President’s Office, and the new 90,000 SF classroom building, Old Main Academic Center. The YMCA building was sometimes called “the post office” because that tenant had remained over the years, but MSU planned to regain a student focus by housing the Dean of Students, Student Affairs, and other offices. These offices were to provide a direct bridging connection to the Old Main Academic Center and the Student Union – making this building the final connection for the historic core of the MSU campus. This renovation project began with an in-depth research and building analysis to determine original locations of walls, finishes, mortar and masonry composition, ceiling and floor plate construction, soil analysis, and coordination with MSU library services, the Landscape department, and other master planning input to direct the restoration efforts. The resulting project included the complete interior and exterior restoration and renovation of the historic building and the surrounding site to address the new program, including handicap accessibility, covered walkway connection to the new classroom building to the north, and planning to accommodate five different using offices within the building. The project was designed to sensitively incorporate current technology, safety upgrades and energy efficiency, limited expansion of the campus energy loop, and thermal storage pods while regaining the building’s historic character. The building’s first floor was heavily renovated in the 1950s to house the university Post Office and the second and third floors were used for different offices and organizations, usually in interim. This project endeavored to regain the original character, including the reconstruction of the two grand stairways that once extended down from the main lobby area on the second floor, and EDUCATIONAL | 111

reconstruction of original bead board corridor walls evidenced in a single mechanical closet. This floor was also designed in conjunction with the adjacent new construction to provide a covered ADA connection for faculty and students. The upper floors were largely restored; uncovering and reusing the original spaces and layout while incorporating necessities such as a fire sprinkler, elevator, restrooms, MEP, and fire stair. New, modified partitions were kept to a minimum and suspended acoustic clouds placed in offices to provide acoustic quality while exposing the original ceiling and trim at the perimeter. Low floor-to-floor heights between the second and third floors required creative solutions for installation of equipment while maintaining the original plaster and wood beam ceiling. Two lengths of beams were carefully dismantled so that piping and conduit could be run through the cavity and reassembled to provide the original ceiling appearance and configuration. The original terrazzo at the second-floor lobby and entry porch were restored and repaired along with original doors and transoms, wood windows and stone sills, plaster walls and ceilings, and original wood trim. Knives were made to reconstruct the original wood trim pieces where needed and new led fixtures were selected as closely as possible to the original fixtures seen in historic photographs. This lobby, once heavily used for student dances, holiday parties, and studying, is now used again for similar orientations and socials and the front porch once again holds rocking chairs for students to relax. The exterior restoration included masonry restoration and water infiltration mitigation where portions of the building were below grade, and sidewalks and grade were modified to prevent future damage. Interior and exterior pointing were required along with pointing at each facade and stone banding and sill repair. The program for the YMCA renovation was impacted by the MSU Administration’s desire to develop connections within the campus landscape for a rich and meaningful experience between the student and administration. The placement of the Dean of Students on the first floor was intended for direct student access and the second floor (where the

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lobby/gathering space and front porch are located) was perfect for the Student Affairs office. The third-floor placement of the General Council and Budget and Planning departments seemed appropriate since they require less interaction with students on a day to day basis. The third-floor porch, once condemned, provides a wonderful and private outdoor space with tables, chairs, and rocking chairs for building users. The original materials remain and were restored, including the concrete floor and metal railings which were appropriately modified to meet guardrail requirements along with sensitive historic door alterations to provide handicap accessibility. The third-floor office spaces were minimally modified to reconstruct the original layout while protecting significant historic details. The rear portion of the third floor was originally part of the auditorium space, including a balcony opening from this level. This project sensitively incorporated additional office and meeting spaces and a fire stair into the former auditorium space – leaving wide, full-height hallways on the sides to retain the character of the large auditorium volume.

Photo opposite: New covered connection to Old Main Academic Center from YMCA.

First Floor Interior The majority of the first floor historic layout was removed when the campus post office was enlarged, including the removal of the historic stair connection from the second floor. The renovation and reconstruction plan was developed using original university archive photos and found original beaded board and trim from a mechanical closet while incorporating the new user’s needs. Utilities and systems were creatively located to retain as much original character as possible. The historic stair was rebuilt from the first to the second floor to match the remaining existing stair. 114 | EDUCATIONAL

Second Floor Interior & Stair The original character and configuration of the space was retained and restored in this project. It functions as the primary building lobby and is the grand living room of the building. It is used for a wide variety of purposes such as receptions, student orientation events, prospective student tour visits, small meetings and more. The original terrazzo flooring that extends from the front porch into the lobby was cracked and damaged from years of use. It was repaired, cleaned and sealed.

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Former Auditorium The auditorium space had been renovated decades earlier, a flat wood floor was installed, and the stage area was removed, but the remaining exterior walls and banks of tall, fullheight windows remained. The space was used for storage immediately prior to this project. Two levels of office spaces and a new exit stair were incorporated into this space. The new elements were constructed several feet inside of and away from the original walls, allowing the original character of the fullheight auditorium space to be visible. Windows were incorporated into the doors and walls of the new offices allowing the light to reach throughout the space.

PROJECT INSIGHT The YMCA building was sometimes called “the post office” because that tenant had remained over the years.

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LLOYD-RICKS-WATSON BUILDING RENOVATION MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY

The Lloyd-Ricks-Watson building was originally constructed to house agricultural programs. The building’s interior spaces and finishes were intended to be hard-wearing and utilitarian. During the years of the building’s life, small renovation projects were undertaken to subdivide many of the laboratory spaces, drop ceilings, provide heating and air conditioning, encapsulate original wall and floor finishes, and to remove many of the original doors and wood trim elements. This project objective was to restore the prominent Mississippi Landmark for classroom space and offices for the School of Human Sciences and the Department of Agriculture Economics. The project began with careful and in-depth research to understand the building’s hidden story, details, materials and construction. From the limestone window sills of the 1928 building to the cast stone sills of the 1938 building, no building element was assumed. The connection between the two buildings did not extend to all four floors, making the building confusing to navigate and difficult to fully utilize. A new connection was constructed meeting code and in accordance with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. The exterior was fully restored with brick tuckpointing, window restoration, roofing, parapet flashing, downspout restoration and damp-proofing. A custom mechanical system was designed with energy supply similar to the original radiators and including fresh air provisions. The electrical and communications systems were creatively incorporated into a thickened baseboard. The original terrazzo hall floors were restored as well as the wood trim, wood doors and plaster walls. This renovation project brought the interior and exterior spaces back to their original sense of space, quality and detail.

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Connector The original connector was only two stories, which made navigating the building extremely difficult. The new connector takes into account the seismic requirements for this area, as well as aesthetically blending into the background and shadow of the restored building. The north side landscaping picks up on the white and maroon scheme with low growing Japanese maples, variegated hosta and white hydrangea.

Meeting Spaces The new conference rooms and classrooms were designed to be flexible from data/electrical provisions to furniture. The 20 foot conference table pulls apart to make eight separate tables. Floor, wall, and ceiling data/electrical provisions were creatively provided through small chases and enlarged baseboard detailing. Restored Office Space The furniture placed within this office was historic to the building and the functions which developed Mississippi Agriculture and the Extension Service.

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Stairwell The 1928 stair enclosure and new wood paneled detailing is shown (left). The new stair enclosures replace non-original gypsum board and metal door stair enclosures. The existing original doors were fully restored and in multiple locations, new doors, and paneled enclosures were crafted to match the existing, then stained. Restored Hallway and Stairwell The original ceiling height was now exposed, and original recessed conduit was reused to place new appropriate light fixtures within the space. The original interior finish scheme was reinstalled from the terrazzo base, door blocks, and thresholds to the smooth finish plaster below the chair rail and sand finish plaster above the chair rail. The original trim was restored and replicated where no longer existing. The picture rail is fully functional and the preferred means of mounting artwork by the building users.

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Before and After Hall Renovation The interior halls had been renovated over time with dropped acoustic ceilings, new solid core doors, exposed electrical panels and communications junctions. Additional hall partitions subdivided the departments. The metal storefront divisions seemed to be an attempt to reduce the deadend corridor length in order to meet code. However, during extensive code review it was determined that these partitions were not necessary. Key elements to the restoration of this building were reopening the halls and making the spaces more functional for the users. Meeting the 2003 International Building Code was a significant challenge to opening these halls, but including an interior sprinkler system and upgrading the safety and intuitive exiting of the building made it possible.

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GOVERNMENTAL Like courthouses, governmental buildings are the greatest outward manifestation of community history. Because every citizen interacts with these buildings at some point in their lives, the condition and quality of governmental buildings are often a statement about the economic health of the community and a reflection of what it values. Because many communities do not have the resources to fund a government building equal to the aspirations and history of elected officials and advocates, Belinda works with them to find a way forward. Through grants, fund-raising and phased plans, she helps communities find funding, while often creating phased plans to develop these projects. Rendering: Claiborne County “Matt Ross” Administration Building, Downtown Port Gibson, Mississippi

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CLAIBORNE COUNTY “MATT ROSS” ADMINISTRATION BUILDING PORT GIBSON, MISSISSIPPI

Port Gibson, Mississippi is a small town with a unique historic and cultural character. The goal of this new County administration building was to identify, respond to, and empower the essence of Port Gibson. The Matt Ross Administration building is a new building constructed in the heart of downtown Port Gibson – located between the antebellum county courthouse and the historic main street commercial block. The building seeks to tie these structures together to form a more unified downtown image and is based on the historic commercial character of downtown Port Gibson. A Community Citizens Committee was established to provide overall process and design review to this project. Issues emerging from this group included site visibility, the linear street scape of downtown, the connection between this building and the citizens, the incorporation of local artwork (including quilts to hang inside the building and quilt patterns etched into the exterior stucco) and a gathering place (a study pavilion). The new facility incorporated a courtroom and the county board room, associated support spaces, offices, and space for two independent county departments. An exterior public space also was incorporated providing a covered pavilion and garden area between the annex and the historic courthouse. The form, scale, and materials of the new building link it to downtown commercial buildings as well as the Claiborne County Courthouse. The quilt patterns etched into the stucco along the side of the building were completed by local art students, based on the winning designs from a local quilt competition held specifically for this project and judged by the Smithsonian. The building is designed upon the character of Port Gibson as a whole, representing all her people and celebrating their cultural diversity. The building is of Port Gibson. This project received design awards from Port Gibson Main Street as well as from Mississippi Historical Society, Mississippi Heritage Trust, Mississippi Downtown Development Authority and the Mississippi Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

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Etched Quilt Patterns The project’s master craftsman trained and led students from Mississippi Cultural Crossroads in etching local quilt patterns into the stucco. Historic Downtown Early view of downtown Port Gibson. The site of the project is to the right of the third building.

Northeast View The scale of the building was intentionally broken down to create a building that felt comfortable with the historic downtown storefront buildings to the south and the county courthouse to the north. Pavilion A view of the pavilion with etched quilt patterns in the stucco wall beyond.

PROJECT INSIGHT This building houses a permanent museum exhibit, “No Easy Journey,” highlighting the story of the Civil Rights Movement in Claiborne County.

WALTHALL JAIL REHABILITATION VILLAGE OF WALTHALL, MISSISSIPPI

The reuse of the vacant and deteriorated Walthall Jail into the Walthall Village Hall has restored the significant building and has given it a purpose in the community while encouraging growth and development in the small court square of the Webster County seat. The work completed as a part of this project included a full restoration of the exterior of the historic Walthall Jail building, rehabilitation of the interior materials and modification of the layout to be used as the Village Hall for Walthall. The Walthall Jail was constructed in 1892 and served as the County jail until 1972 new jail building was constructed in nearby Eupora. It is a simple, roughly cube-shaped, two-story brick masonry building. The Walthall Jail was designated as a Mississippi Landmark in 1990 for its embodiment of a nineteenth century building and for its association with events of significant contribution to the political and social history of Webster County. The building has seen few changes over the years. The completion of this project plays a significant role in the preservation of the historic structures of the Village of Walthall and shows what can be done when a community sets goals. The restoration of the Walthall jail building has an aesthetic impact on the Courthouse Square and encourages reestablishment and appropriate in-fill construction in the community. This project eliminated the community’s need for a town hall and preserved a historical and sentimental monument for the Village of Walthall. Walthall uses the building as the main village offices, mayor’s office, board room, and space for the public to hold special events and meetings. Since the completion of this project, the Village post office, adjacent to the Jail, has received a face lift with new awning, paint scheme, and signage and the Village board has completed a strategic planning session to address goals for development on the main street/court square including development of retail space, landscaping, lighting, recreational facilities, and growth.

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Exterior The exterior of the jail was restored to its original appearance, with the brick masonry restored and relayed were necessary. Trees and vines were removed from the cavities of the walls. The chimney was reconstructed, the inappropriate Portland cement removed and replaced with lime-based mortar. The roof structure was reinforced and new roofing added. Gutters and downspouts were replaced. The non-original wood windows were replaced with historically appropriate new wood windows. The steel bars were left intact and restored. The brick walkway at the front of the jail was reset and enlarged to provide an accessible entrance into the building.

Interior The interior of the former county jail was rehabilitated by removing the small inner steel cells and the non-original second floor above the cells to provide the primary board and work room for the Village. The front wall of the original inner cells was relocated and mounted on the wall, keeping the original cell doors and locking mechanisms. The smaller entrance and private cell area was renovated to provide the clerk’s counter/work area and a public bathroom. The interior of the masonry structure was fully lined with heavy steel panels. The panels were cleaned and coated and remain visible, as were the interior steel security grates for the windows. The entrance door was widened to provide accessibility, with the original entrance door mounted on the nearby wall. The second floor are was reinforced and a new stair and landing was added to give access and to provide storage and display space. New systems were added throughout.

PROJECT INSIGHT During local 1976 Bicentennial events, the Walthall Jail was opened as a Webster County Museum. It operated for a couple of decades. Museum items that remained in the Jail were incorporated into the restoration.

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PONTOTOC CHANCERY BUILDING PONTOTOC, MISSISSIPPI

During exterior restoration to the Pontotoc County Courthouse, the County Board of Supervisors saw the need to expand the functions of the courthouse, without destroying the character of the courthouse or relocating from the historic court square. Three vacant and deteriorated downtown buildings were purchased to house the chancery offices, boardroom, chancery court, and vault. The building’s former uses ranged from a garage for parking hearses, casket storage and most recently an antique mall. A primary existing character element, the suspended awning covering two of the three building facades, was intact. This canopy retained its original pressed tin ceiling and trim. The exterior building masonry and stucco were cleaned, tuckpointed and damaged stucco replaced. New wood and glass storefronts and doors were added and the existing sidewalks and lighting were renovated. The glass storefronts are currently used to display work by local artists. Great effort was taken in the interior to retain the open feel of the building plan while designing the spaces so that the exposed wood columns, beams, and skylights became the focus. The interior beaded board ceilings were sagging due to undersized original ceiling joists. The ceiling joists were reinforced for a level beaded board ceiling. The rehabilitation of these buildings provided a dramatic new face to the Court Square.

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Interior Shown are interior views of the Chancery Offices, including the new Chancery Counter, rear services area and view to the Pontotoc County Boardroom. The remaining original materials were restored and highlighted. New complementary materials were used to provide their needs in a functional way.

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Exterior Several character defining details were intact, yet required extensive restoration, such as masonry details and early stucco as well as the metal suspended awning and portions of the interior storefront display. Original storefront elements were restored and new historically appropriate windows and doors were added.

RESIDENTIAL Excellence in the preservation and conversion of residential structures requires an authentic interest in people, and an appreciation for the uniqueness of the structure and its vernacular artistry. A childhood fascination with the extraordinary histories of people and places define Belinda’s work with residential projects. Like the firm’s clients, each project has a character and personality all its own. The firm’s work combines form and function to create living spaces for today, a lifetime, and generations to come. Rendering: Carroll House, Walthall, Mississippi

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SUNDBECK RESIDENCE WEST POINT, MISSISSIPPI

This new home for a repeat client was designed specifically to accommodate her love of gardening, nature, and light in the Old Waverly development. Work began by meeting in the owner’s existing home to inventory her furniture and special pieces to make sure that this new home was comfortable and felt like her. 3D Revit software was used to communicate the volume of spaces on the interior and exterior, and then used that model to develop the construction documents. The home needed to reflect the client’s sensibilities while resolving site placement on a wooded property with multiple drainage planes.

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Exterior Built in a golf course housing development, this house was designed to feel and appear nestled within a peaceful wooded property. Ample natural light is brought into the home’s public spaces through transom and dormer windows, softened through indirect northern exposure, light wells, deep porches, and existing vegetation on all sides. Interior The open floor plan between the kitchen, living, dining, and their connection to the back porch, facilitates the client’s natural hospitality and love of entertaining family and friends.

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SPRINGHILL SCHOOLHOUSE REHABILITATION SPRINGHILL, MISSISSIPPI

Belinda and her husband Michael Davidson purchased the former 9-classroom Springhill Schoolhouse in 2002. They have lovingly rehabilitated it to provide 4 apartment spaces, a kitchen, restored auditorium space and other ancillary functional spaces. Non-original partitions were removed and the former classroom layouts were utilized to provide loft-type living spaces. The auditorium has been restored and provides multi-functional space for the residents and community. The original remaining materials have been restored – including; hardwood floors in all rooms except for the concrete in the hallways, exterior concrete and plaster walls, interior brick and plaster hallway walls, interior wood stud, lath and plaster partition walls, wood 9 over 9 divided lite windows and wood paneled doors and original hardware. The Springhill School was constructed in 1939 after the two previous wood framed schools burned. The school is an interesting use of early poured-in-place concrete exterior walls (with insulated cavities) and masonry and wood interior elements. This modern construction technique was used in a very traditional layout and form.

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Orange overlays depict separate apartments.

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Interior The Interior of the schoolhouse retains most its historic materials including hardwood floors, plaster walls, wood trim, original doors and windows. These were restored, and new compatible materials added only were needed to meet the functional needs of each space. The original ceiling heights were maintained, providing large open and very well-lit living spaces. The original 9 classrooms and adjacent support spaces were reconfigured to provide 5 lofttype apartments. Open kitchen areas were incorporated into the large rooms creating common living/dining/kitchen spaces. Tongue and groove wood and concrete countertops provide the solidity and low-maintenance surfaces needed for rental units. Rolling closet/ shelving units were constructed to provide separation and storage in the bedroom area. A common kitchen and bank of bathrooms was developed in the former classroom immediately adjacent to the auditorium, promoting community use of the spaces.

PROJECT INSIGHT This Springhill School building was only in use as a school from 1940 until 1957. After local school consolidation, the building reverted to private ownership and became a private home and a very popular antique store for at least three decades.

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CARROLL HOUSE RESTORATION & ADDITION WALTHALL, MISSISSIPPI

The Carroll House was constructed in 1913 in Walthall, MS, the county seat of Webster County. Originally a private home, it was later converted into a duplex. The house was abandoned in the 1960s and laid vacant until purchased by Belinda in 1991. The home has been fully restored by Belinda and her husband Michael Davidson. They returned the house to its original layout, restoring its open porch around three sides of the house. The house is constructed of local heart pine. All exposed surfaces had been painted with only the back of a closet door showing the original beauty of the wood. With the exception of the kitchen area, the paint was removed to reveal the original heart pine walls, floors, and ceilings. Small additions provide bathrooms, laundry, storage, and a screened porch so that the original layout could be retained. A larger addition has recently been completed, providing a large living/dining space with a storm shelter underneath and a sleeping loft above and second means of egress from the second floor.

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Exterior The Carroll house overlooks 63 acres of land on the edge of the City Limits of Walthall, MS. The front of the house faces Carroll Street, and the rear overlooks rolling pasture land and a pond. A shed and small horse stable have been added southeast of the home. The original wood siding, wood trim, wrap-around porch and steep pyramidal roof give the house its unique historic character. The added elements are designed to be secondary to the original, with matching brick piers, wood siding and trim and similar but lower roofs. The rear addition is larger and more contemporary in its vocabulary, but also with matching siding, trim and roofline.

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Interior The house is a typical southern center hall plan with 2 rooms on either side of the hallway, and a rear ell off one side with an additional 2 rooms. The wall between the 2 rooms in the ell was removed to provide a larger kitchen area. A wide opening was added between the adjacent main room and the enlarge kitchen to provide a more open layout between the living and kitchen/dining areas. The new living/dining addition also opens directly off the kitchen area. The original interior heart pine floors, walls and ceilings have been exposed and restored. Original fireplace mantels and stucco covered fireplaces remain, as do original doors and casings. Through interviews with an original family member who was a teenager when the house was built, it was revealed that the windows were originally supposed to be taller, but the ordered window units did not arrive and shorter windows were installed. The original window openings were confirmed and new reproduction windows were installed at their intended size. Although the house has an original center dormer window, it did not originally have a second floor. The structure was reinforced and two additional bedrooms and a bath were installed on the second floor.

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PROJECT BUILDING The process of architectural design, whether for an existing building or for a new structure, begins early in the process. The selection of structures to restore, rehabilitate and/or enlarge, or selection of the site to develop with new construction sets parameters that effect the design options. Project planning helps determine the feasibility of projects, the definition of their scope, the budget needed and potential timeline. Identification and support of local project champions is a primary key in the success of transformative projects. Rendering: Downtown Eupora, Mississippi Main Street Charrette

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CREATING THE PROJECT

Complicated projects with multiple sites and many stakeholders can be diagrammed and broken down into definable prioritized tasks.

One of the important missions of Belinda Stewart Architects is to help provide a road map for the creation and implementation of projects for our clients. Early involvement in project development allows the firm to help review site options, determine property conditions and help develop a path for success. Work has included site analysis to help determine the best site for a proposed project, existing building analysis to help determine the feasibility and specific challenges and opportunities for the proposed functions and funding assistance to help determine and pursue supplementary funding sources. Phasing options have been developed on many projects to allow facilities to remain operational during construction, or to implement projects with multiple structures, or to allow projects to development over time as funding is available. Support information is regularly provided to help tell the story of the project to constituents, leaders and potential funding sources.

HELPING THE PROJECT BSA has helped many projects with unique issues and funding challenges by identifying and helping bring additional funding to the projects. More than $31 Million has been secured in direct funding and much more in tax incentives and other incentives that help with funding. We regularly help clients develop fact sheets, brochures and other information needed to help share the vision and needs of the project. We enjoy helping with fund raising efforts, special events and presentations to help provide information and build consensus among those involved or affected by the project. Community-based projects have the potential to transform the areas around them. We help to identify other potential work that could be encouraged or incentivized by one project, helping to see the big picture of the community and how one project can help inspire other projects.

Brochure developed to help describe the national significance of the project.

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GETTING TO KNOW THE PROJECT We believe that the primary key in dealing with existing structures is to spend the time getting to know the details, construction, significance and condition of the facility. Sufficient time, extensive tools and specialty consultants (when needed) are utilized to analyze and determine the specific detailed information needed to determine the extent of work and needed budget for each project. We are constantly learning from the details of our projects, and also from extensive continuing education of all staff with a targeted focus on the specific details and challenges of upcoming work. Each project brings a richness of individual detail and distinct challenges that continually strengthen the depth of our firm’s knowledge and expertise. We seek new challenges and experiences and eagerly embrace the information gained from each project. We utilize and are constantly seeking additional tools to help with the diagnostic investigation and analysis of existing structures including drones, thermal cameras, microscopes, digital scanning, 3-D modeling, etc. More in-depth analysis such as mortar testing and analysis, historic paint analysis, structural load testing, historic research and conservation analysis are brought into many of our projects. The information gathered through these sources is typically incorporated into a Historic Structure Report. We have provided over 100 of these reports, which generally include a written narrative of the project, annotated drawings of the existing facilities and proposed work, and a phased scope of work with estimated budgets. This living document is updated and supplemented as the project develops and helps guide the project through each phase.

BSA helps develop fund raising diagrams to help describe the process and phasing potential of a project.

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BIOGRAPHIES

Belinda Stewart, FAIA

Belinda is the founding principal of Belinda Stewart Architects, a predominately female architectural firm based in Eupora, Mississippi and has been a Citizen Architect since the beginning of her career - persistently looking for ways to help communities and to help lead her own community. Over the past 30 years, BSA has provided architectural and preservation services for projects representing over $600 million in construction throughout the southeast. Belinda has inspired and enabled small towns and communities to value and restore their built environment, see the beauty and significance of their uniqueness, and celebrate their embodied history and energy. In the mid-‘80s, Belinda Stewart began a career that focused on improving the quality of life in rural towns and communities embattled by a changing economy and plagued with its end result – a lost sense of identity and possibility. She demonstrates a passion for architecture and preservation and for small towns and the people who live there. Belinda made a personal choice to channel her understanding and deep respect for small towns into both a career and public service. After graduating from Mississippi State University School of Architecture, Belinda began her career in North Carolina, where she spent five years working for leading firms and developing her skill and passion for historic preservation. Through strong mentors, she learned that perseverance and hard work, often accomplished behind the scenes, can lead to extraordinary results. In 1990, Belinda brought her knowledge back home, establishing her practice in Eupora, Mississippi (population 2,197). She began focusing on other small towns and rural locations, which are often underserved by our profession. In her 30 years, Belinda’s firm has helped launch the careers of several up-andcoming architects. Since opening her office in the downtown core of Eupora, and as a result of her efforts, the downtown has evolved from a dying “main street” with more than 20 empty storefronts to a full and thriving mix of retail, office, and residential uses. Belinda serves communities by providing excellence in design, inspiring them to see the potential around them, and enabling them to take action to bring their goals to reality – starting with her own community. She is now in her sixth term as Mayor of the Village of Walthall, the county seat of Webster County, located just outside of Eupora. As a small-town mayor, she brings quality design and empowerment to her community, as well as an understanding of the challenges facing small-town governments and what it takes to bring about change for the better. Belinda serves her community, state, and region through her involvement in many related boards, committees, and organizations,

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some of which she helped create. She serves as Trustee for her local hospital, on the advisory council for Mississippi State University’s School of Architecture, and Carl Small Town Center. She also serves on the National Register Review Board of Mississippi’s State Historic Preservation Office and is a founder and former President of MS Heritage Trust, Mississippi’s preservation advocacy group. Belinda helped lead her profession by recently serving on the national Strategic Council of the American Institute of Architects and also was recently designated as an Association for Preservation Technology Registered Professional. Additionally, her success has proved to be a role model for architects in small towns across America as well as for young women in architecture. She recognizes that architecture is a vehicle for the advancement of living standards, provides for a tangible increase in pride for a community, and can provide an anchor and a process for economic growth. Nowhere is this more important than in Mississippi, which is largely made up of small towns and communities with dwindling industries and populations from which to fuel growth. Belinda focuses on helping local citizens understand that they can change their environment for the better. Her firm’s portfolio includes local and federal Courthouses, downtown commercial buildings, municipal buildings, university buildings, churches, museums, visitor centers, train depots, theaters, and more. They believe in the sustainable benefits of preserving, adaptively reusing existing structures, and creating timeless buildings that last and are cherished by the communities they serve. As a Citizen Architect, Belinda understands that, like good design, inspiring communities is a process. She encourages them to look at the beauty and uniqueness that may have been hidden or overlooked for decades, helping them appreciate and celebrate the high aspirations and the energy that went into the initial design and construction. The restoration of structures that have served as the backdrop for communities and families for generations inspires people to look at other existing potential in their community and appreciate the life span that good quality design and construction can provide. A quiet force for excellence and renewal, Belinda reignites a passion and commitment to design – one small town at a time.

Craig Bjorgum, AIA Craig is our Technical Director and a 1992 graduate of Montana State University’s School of Architecture. He also received his Master of Architecture degree from Montana State University in 2008. He has extensive knowledge and experience with publicly funded projects, construction documents, managing a project team, and administering projects through construction. He also has extensive experience with design-build projects and quality control methods focusing on the building envelope. He enjoys playing in the woods with his adventurous kids, running, doing triathlons, building chicken coops, and tearing the house up only to create yet another project. Stephanie Stewart, Associate AIA Stephanie is our Studio Director and a 2000 graduate of Texas A&M School of Architecture. She has worked as a designer and project manager, along with her twin sister Holly, in this office since 2000. She has specific experience with restoration and rehabilitation of existing buildings as well as large scale planning projects, with detailed commercial projects and certified restoration and rehabilitation projects. She is a problem solver with a detail-oriented, can-do attitude. She participates in all aspects of the office; her primary focus is design, construction documentation, and construction administration phases of our projects. Stephanie sees issues as opportunities and enjoys the process of finding solutions and working with property owners to see historic buildings restored. She lives with her family in a house she renovated out in the county, on 5 acres and enjoys painting landscapes. Holly Hawkins, AIA Holly is our Design Director and works as a project designer/manager in the office. She has specific experience with rehabilitating historic structures as well as with large-scale planning projects, detailed commercial projects, and highquality residential properties. With over twenty years in the firm, Holly has gained a high level of experience with the challenges of historic structures and brings a solution-oriented eye to the team. Holly moved to Mississippi from South Texas with her twin sister, Stephanie, in the fall of 2000 after Graduating from Texas A&M University School of Architecture. During their time at A&M, they attended the Washington Alexandria Architectural Consortium in Old Town Alexandria, VA, where they studied urban design and found their love for “Small Town America” on weekend road trips. Holly lives with her family in a home she and her husband designed adjacent to a Historic Cantilever Barn that houses chickens and goats.

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Maggie Bjorgum, AIA Maggie Bjorgum is a 1999 graduate of the Mississippi State University School of Architecture. Upon graduating, she moved to Oregon to experience the great outdoors of the Northwest while gaining experience with a variety of architectural projects including renovation and new construction projects. She worked on several published residential projects with an approach to environmental sensitivities. After meeting her husband in Oregon, she became homesick for the South and convinced Craig to an adventure of small town living, land of sweet tea and real hugs. Maggie has extensive experience with many aspects of commercial architectures but truly loves the messiest of renovation projects and helping clients see their vision come to life. She enjoys making cookies, reading and quilting but spends most evenings playing ninja and “would you rather” with her sweet and wildly active kids. Landon Voller, AIA Landon is a project manager and designer for BSA. He is a 2008 graduate of Mississippi State School of Architecture and a 2003 graduate of Mississippi College with a BA in English. Landon has four and a half years of experience as a carpenter in highend residential construction and a variety of other diverse work experiences. This diversity of education and practical experience helps him with the problem solving needed for his role as a project manager. Landon enjoys cycling, camping, hiking, kayaking, and trail building, and he helps organize several bike races for the local club. He enjoys doing woodwork when he has time and keeps busy with home improvement projects as well. He is a longtime Nebraska football fan. Sam Krusee, Associate AIA Sam is a native of Texas and a 2014 graduate of the Mississippi State University School of Architecture. Sam has worked as a designer and project manager at BSA since 2014. Sam has experience shepherding projects from the initial meeting through construction administration. He has particular experience in historic restoration and the investigation of hard to get to areas such as crawlspaces, attics, and roofs. Sam is also our primary drone pilot and is licensed through the FAA. Sam works with his wife, who he met in the office. He lives in the Eupora Historic District and enjoys renovating their 1940s home and serving the community.

Ashtyn Krusee, Associate AIA Ashtyn is an intern architect and a 2018 graduate of Mississippi State University School of Architecture. She has worked as a designer and project coordinator in this office since May of 2018. Her specific experience is in historic building investigation, drone related gathering of information, writing Historic Structures Reports, project coordination, and construction administration. She is a conscientious, methodical worker with a group-minded work style. She uses her office flexibility to transition between projects in need; her primary focus is report documentation, grant work, construction documentation, and construction administration. Ashtyn enjoys the process of solving problems and working with all involved to create a thoughtfully designed project to meet the project owner’s needs. She lives with her family, Sam Krusee, Eleanor Krusee, and soon-to-be John Henry Krusee, in an under-renovation cottage one block from the office. Elizabeth Hurtado, Associate AIA, LEED Green Associate Elizabeth (Liz) is an intern architect and a 2019 graduate of Mississippi State University School of Architecture. She has worked as a designer and a project coordinator in this office since June of 2019. Her specific experience is in custom residential design and historic building investigation. It is the intricacy of residential and small projects that she really appreciates about architecture the most. She and her husband both attended college in “The Big City” (Starkville) and loved it so much they decided to make it their permanent home. In her free time, you can catch her exploring the outdoors or wandering to new cities with her husband and big fluffy dog. Cord Crenshaw, Associate AIA Cord graduated from Mississippi State University in May of 2020 with a Bachelor of Architecture and has worked with our firm as an intern architect since. His experience involves planning and design of commercial projects, construction documentation, and construction administration. He enjoys the hands-on aspect of building investigation and understanding various construction details present in historic architecture. Cord is an Eupora native and enjoys riding his motorcycle through his hometown on warm, clear days.

Kristian Berryhill Kristian is a Designer who graduated from East Mississippi Community College in 2014 with an Associate Degree in Drafting and Design. She has worked as a designer, both in architecture and interiors, with our office since 2016. Her niche is working in historic buildings whether it be interiors, renovations, or even new construction to be inspired by historic architecture. She has a passion for interiors and shares her natural design eye with a vast array of projects. Her work focuses on schematics, sketching, Photoshop rendering, construction documentation, and construction administration. She has been continuing her studies to focus on historic preservation and interior design. She is currently in the process of renovating and restoring her 1905 Queen Anne Victorian home in Eupora along with the design help of her son Quinton, affectionately known as Q. Pablo Vargas, Associate AIA Pablo is a 2021 graduate of Mississippi State University School of Architecture. He joined the BSA team after graduating. Pablo enjoys being part of the project design and construction processes, where he assists our office in turning designs into reality. Pablo has worked with his father from a young age in construction, where he learned about construction and carpentry. Outside of the office, Pablo enjoys spending time outdoors. Sonia Merkt Sonia joined BSA in the fall of 2021. She is a Designer / Intern Architect and a 2010 graduate of UACJ’s University School of Architecture in Mexico, obtaining the highest grade in the theses presented. Sonia has worked as a designer, superintendent, estimator, and many other diverse roles. In 2013, she got married and moved to the United States. Through many life changes, she never lost her passion for architecture and continues to be heavily influenced by architecture and the art of design. Outside of the office, Sonia enjoys walks in nature, carpentry, crafts, cycling, and good conversations about construction processes or design.

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Sally Carder Sally joined BSA in 2008 after relocating from Florida. She attended technical school to learn drafting and later for instruction in AutoCAD. She opened a drafting service preparing construction documents for architects and engineers in the Orlando area. With more than 45 years drafting experience, Sally is proficient in details and drawings for construction documents of new and existing construction. She is a valuable sounding board and team member in the office. Brandon Burton Brandon graduated from Mississippi State University in May of 2022 with a Bachelor of Architecture. Before joining BSA full-time, he worked as an architectural intern for half a year. Brandon was president of the Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society during his time at MSU and studied urban planning in New York City. He is skilled with many computer programs, including AutoCAD, Revit, Sketchup, Rhino, and Adobe Creative Cloud. Brandon has previous knowledge of construction from working with his father as a teenager and uses that knowledge to help design and develop construction documents. Parker Blaylock Parker is our Marketing Manager and a 2020 graduate of the University of Mississippi. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications, a minor in general business, and an emphasis in social media. He manages our social media accounts, prepares RFQ/proposal documents, and facilitates big-picture ideas for our marketing efforts. He also seeks out new projects and opportunities for our firm. Parker returned to his hometown of Eupora and joined BSA in October 2020. Outside of the office, he enjoys listening to live music and traveling. Karen Shook Karen, our Business Manager, has a Bachelor Degree in Business from the University of Mississippi. She has over twenty-five years of financial experience. She manages our financial functions of the business and is working to help streamline our processes. She currently tracks time for payroll and invoicing purposes, keeps accounts payable current, and files all payroll tax returns. She is also the administrator of the project management software. Karen monitors the budget for all current projects. 160

Audrey McNeel Audrey is our Office Manager and 2000 graduate of EMCC with an Associates degree in Banking and Finance and 2011 graduate for EMCC in Healthcare Data Technology. She has worked in various fields and positions including non-profit, healthcare, constructions and numerous Accounting positions. Audrey diligently organizes and coordinates the administrative functions of the office to ensure organizational effectiveness and efficiency. She manages the administrative staff and maintains the office records. Audrey and her husband built their 770 square foot tiny house on a 300 acre parcel of his family’s farm where she crafts home decor and helps on the cattle farm. Brittany Riland Originally in school to become an architect, Brittany found her true passion through BSA as a graphic designer. She helps create marketing materials, put together proposals, design brochures, and helps to streamline productivity in the office with easy-to-use templates. She is the mom of Biza, the BSA office dog, and has two other pets at home. She is always trying to create, whether that means through music, art, or even through cooking.

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AWARDS

BELINDA STEWART ARCHITECTS, PA Mississippi Heritage Trust 2020 MHT Trustees Award for Organizational Achievement Appalachian Regional Commission & Mississippi Tech Alliance 2012 Innovation Award AIA Mississippi 2006 Community Service Award BANK OF KILMICHAEL KILMICHAEL, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Heritage Trust 2020 Heritage Award of Merit for Renovation THE MASON BOUTIQUE HOTEL LOUISVILLE, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Heritage Trust 2020 Heritage Award of Merit for Renovation Mississippi Main Street Association 2020 Outstanding Adaptive Reuse Project GUARANTY BANK & TRUST GREENWOOD, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Heritage Trust 2020 Heritage Award of Merit for Renovation Mississippi Main Street Association 2020 Outstanding Historic Rehabilitation Project WALTHALL COURTHOUSE SQUARE WALTHALL, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Heritage Trust 2020 Heritage Award of Merit for Landscape HISTORIC YMCA BUILDING MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY AIA Mississippi 2019 Honor Citation Mississippi Heritage Trust 2018 Heritage Award of Excellence for Restoration/Rehabilitation POLK’S MEAT MARKET & WOODVILLE ART PARK WOODVILLE, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Main Street Association 2019 Outstanding Rehabilitation Project

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OLD MAIN ACADEMIC CENTER MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY American School & University Architectural Portfolio 2018 Outstanding Designs: Post-Secondary MADISON COUNTY COURTHOUSE MADISON, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Heritage Trust 2018 Heritage Award of Excellence for Restoration/Rehabilitation BOLIVAR COUNTY COURTHOUSE CLEVELAND, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Heritage Trust 2018 Heritage Award of Excellence for Restoration/Rehabilitation CLARKSDALE FIRE STATION CLARKSDALE, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Heritage Trust 2018 Heritage Award of Excellence for Restoration/Rehabilitation HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING RAYMOND, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Heritage Trust 2018 Heritage Award of Excellence for Restoration/Rehabilitation MISSISSIPPI STATE HOSPITAL CAMPUS WHITFIELD, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Heritage Trust 2018 Heritage Award of Excellence in Stewardship MANTEE DEPOT RENOVATION MANTEE, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Main Street Association 2017 Outstanding Rehabilitation Project AIA Mississippi 2016 Honor Citation COTESWORTH CULTURE & HERITAGE CENTER CARROLLTON, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Heritage Trust 2016 Heritage Award for Excellence in Stewardship of Historic Site Mississippi Heritage Trust 2016 Heritage Award for Preservation EMMETT TILL MEMORY PROJECT SUMNER, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Heritage Trust 2016 Heritage Award for Education

AMZIE MOORE HOUSE RESTORATION CLEVELAND, MISSISSIPPI MHT & African American Heritage Preservation Council 2016 Heritage Award for Excellence in African American Preservation - Emmett Till Commission Mississippi Main Street Association 2015 Best Cultural Heritage Tourism Project TALLAHATCHIE COUNTY COURTHOUSE SUMNER, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Heritage Trust 2016 Heritage Award for Preservation Mississippi Business Journal 2016 Mississippi Construction & Architectural Award Southeast Society of Architectural Historians 2015 Best of the South AIA Mississippi 2015 Merit Award CENTRAL HEATING & COOLING PLANT ICE STORAGE ADDITION MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY Associated Builders and Contractors 2015 Merit Award in the Commercial Mechanical Project category Associated Builders and Contractors 2015 ASHRAE VII - Technology Award ENOCHS HALL MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL OF THE ARTS Mississippi Heritage Trust 2014 Heritage Award of Excellence for Restoration/Rehabilitation FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH EUPORA, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Heritage Trust 2014 Heritage Award of Excellence for Restoration/Rehabilitation DEXTER HALL BOSWELL REGIONAL CENTER Mississippi Heritage Trust 2014 Heritage Award of Excellence for Restoration/Rehabilitation IMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH RESTORATION WINONA, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Heritage Trust 2014 Heritage Award of Excellence for Restoration/Rehabilitation DELTA BLUES MUSEUM MUDDY WATERS ADDITION CLARKSDALE, MISSISSIPPI AIA Mississippi 2014 Honor Citation

BOLIVAR COUNTY COURTHOUSE STABILIZATION ROSEDALE, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Heritage Trust 2014 Heritage Award of Excellence for Restoration/Rehabilitation AIA Mississippi 2013 Honor Citation STRAND THEATER FACADE RESTORATION KOSCIUSKO, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Main Street Association 2013 Best Facade Rehabilitation over $10,000 COLLINS DEPOT REHABILITATION COLLINS, MISSISSIPPI AIA Mississippi 2013 Merit Award Mississippi Heritage Trust 2012 Award of Merit for Restoration/Rehabilitation Mississippi Main Street Association 2012 Best Renovation Project LLOYD RICKS RENOVATION MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY Mississippi Heritage Trust 2012 Award of Merit for Restoration/Rehabilitation MAGNOLIA DEPOT REHABILITATION MAGNOLIA, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Heritage Trust 2012 Heritage Award of Excellence for Restoration/Rehabilitation INNOVATORS AWARD 2012 Mississippi Technology Alliance Appalachian Regional Commission BAY ST. LOUIS HISTORIC CITY HALL BAY ST. LOUIS, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Heritage Trust 2012 Heritage Award of Excellence for Restoration/Rehabilitation Bay St. Louis Historic Preservation Commission 2012 Mayor’s Award: Best of Show CALHOUN CITY HALL CALHOUN CITY, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Main Street Association 2011 Best Historic Rehabilitation Project L&N DEPOT BAY ST. LOUIS, MISSISSIPPI Bay St. Louis Historic Preservation Commission 2011 Commission Award Winner 163

BAY ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY HALL BAY ST. LOUIS, MISSISSIPPI AIA Mississippi & Mississippi Brick Industry Awards 2011 Merit Award

PONTOTOC COUNTY COURTHOUSE PONTOTOC, MISSISSIPPI AIA Mississippi 2010 Honor Citation

Bay St. Louis Historic Preservation Commission 2011 People’s Choice Award, Honorable Mention

AIA Mississippi 2007 Citation

Bay St. Louis Historic Preservation Commission 2011 Council Award Winner

South Central Construction The Best of 2006

LEXINGTON CITY HALL LEXINGTON, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Main Street Association 2011 Best Facade Rehabilitation over $10,000

WESTERN AUTO BUILDING REHABILITATION EUPORA, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Heritage Trust 2008 Merit Award

MONROE COUNTY COURTHOUSE ABERDEEN, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Heritage Trust 2010 Historic Award of Excellence

BELINDA STEWART ARCHITECTS STOREFRONT RENOVATION EUPORA, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Heritage Trust 2008 Merit Award

EARLY GROVE AVENUE DEVELOPMENT EUPORA, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Main Street Association 2010 Best Adaptive Reuse Project Webster County Development Council 2010 Community Economic Development Award JOYCE YATES SCHOOL OF DANCE EUPORA, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Main Street Association 2010 Best Facade Rehabilitation over $10,000 BELINDA STEWART, FAIA Mississippi Main Street Association 2010 Sam Kay Excellence in Design Award AIA National 2008 Citizen Architect Award Mississippi Business Journal 2008 MS’s 50 Leading Business Women Mississippi Development Authority 2004 Governor’s Cup for Small Business (less than 50 employees) AIA Mississippi 1998 Past President Award Mississippi State University 1995 Alumna of the Year

Mississippi Main Street Association 2008 Best Rehabilitation WEBSTER COUNTY JAIL WALTHALL, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Main Street Association 2007 Best Historic Preservation Reuse Project Under $5,000 PRENTISS COUNTY COURTHOUSE RESTORATION BOONEVILLE, MISSISSIPPI AIA Mississippi 2007 Honor Citation Mississippi Heritage Trust 2006 Award of Excellence PONTOTOC CHANCERY BUILDINGS RENOVATION PONTOTOC, MISSISSIPPI AIA Mississippi 2007 Merit Award Mississippi Heritage Trust 2007 Merit Award Mississippi Main Street Association 2006 Best Adaptive Reuse Project YALOBUSHA COUNTY COURTHOUSE COFFEEVILLE, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Main Street Association 2007 Best Rehabilitation Project AIA Mississippi 2006 Honor Citation

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BRUCE FORESTRY MUSEUM RENOVATION BRUCE, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Main Street Association 2006 Best Facade Rehabilitation over $10,000 NATCHEZ TRACE VISITOR’S CENTER CLINTON, MISSISSIPPI AIA Mississippi 2006 Honor Citation YALOBUSHA COUNTY COURTHOUSE WATER VALLEY, MISSISSIPPI AIA Mississippi 2006 Honor Citation Mississippi Heritage Trust 2005 Best Historic Rehabilitation Project Mississippi Main Street Association 2005 Best Rehabilitation Project OXFORD DEPOT RENOVATION OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI AIA Mississippi 2005 Merit Award Mississippi Heritage Trust 2004 Merit Award CENTRAL SCHOOL AUDITORIUM RESTORATION WEST POINT, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Main Street Association 2004 Best Facade Restoration Over $5,000 STRAND THEATER LOUISVILLE, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Main Street Association 2004 Best Facade Restoration Over $5,000 TATE COUNTY COURTHOUSE SENATOBIA, MISSISSIPPI AIA Mississippi 2002 Merit Award Mississippi Downtown Development Association 2002 Design Award

BARRETT LAW OFFICES LEXINGTON, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Main Street Association 2002 Design Award Mississippi Heritage Trust 2002 Merit Award CANTON DEPOT CANTON, MISSISSIPPI Associated Builders and Contractors 1999 Award of Merit for General Construction >$1.5 Million WHITFIELD HALL MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN Mississippi Heritage Trust & Department of Archives and History 1998 Honor Award QUITMAN COUNTY COURTHOUSE MARKS, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Historical Society & Mississippi Heritage Trust 1995 Merit Award HARRIETTE PERSON MEMORIAL LIBRARY PORT GIBSON, MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Downtown Development Association 1995 Design Award Mississippi Historical Society & Mississippi Heritage Trust 1995 Design Award Port Gibson Main Street 1994 Merit Award WILLIAM “MATT ROSS” ADMINISTRATION BUILDING PORT GIBSON, MISSISSIPPI AIA Mississippi 1995 Honor Citation Mississippi Downtown Development Association 1995 Design Award Mississippi Historical Society & Mississippi Heritage Trust 1994 Merit Award Port Gibson Main Street 1994 Merit Award

Mississippi Heritage Trust 2002 Heritage Award

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OTHER SIGNIFICANT PROJECTS Over our 30 years of operation, Belinda Stewart Architects has had the pleasure of providing architectural services for more than 600 structures. Over 500 of these were existing structures, and around 400 were certified historic structures. Projects vary in scale and use and include courthouses, municipal buildings, higher education projects, institutional, commercial, cultural, religious, medical and residential projects. These projects represent the ongoing dreams and aspirations of clients, communities and the public.

BANK OF KILMICHAEL EUPORA, MISSISSIPPI We were approached by a local prospering bank to create a new branch in the Eupora area. In keeping with the bank’s commitment to community and local vernacular, they were interested in a building that was comfortable for all citizens and clients. The building incorporates elements that give the feel of a historic downtown building - specifically Eupora’s historic downtown. The exterior incorporates brick detailing reminiscent of historic local buildings while incorporating front entry elements that relate to farm and country. The interior also follows the same idea with durable, hardworking floor finishes and more historic and decorative column and ceiling finishes. From dress shoes to work boots, this building works well as a place of business to invite all citizens.

BANK OF KILMICHAEL KILMICHAEL, MISSISSIPPI The Bank of Kilmichael purchased two adjacent historic storefront buildings in their downtown for an expansion to include additional office, meeting, and training spaces in the bank’s original location and the theater built in the late 1800s. With so much history intact, the project design not only had to meet the needs of the bank, but also tell the story of these structures and the early years of Kilmichael while also implementing ADA accessibility. Original features such as the vault and theater floor slope were left intact and lost features such the vault door pediment, mosaic tile, and pressed tin ceiling were reimagined with modern materials. This project has proven by example that historic buildings are worthy of restoration and can be economically impactful to a downtown area while also retaining the historic charm.

BOLIVAR COUNTY COURTHOUSE CLEVELAND, MISSISSIPPI The Bolivar County Courthouse is a two-story solid masonry building built in 1924. This building, built by N.W. Overstreet, is a designated Mississippi Landmark. This project included clay tile roof restoration, window restoration, and front porch exterior restoration. The porch restoration included restoration of original materials including new terracotta coping and quarry tile floor. The terracotta coping and details were damaged due to movement and freeze related issues and the replacement materials were carefully selected to match the original.

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BOLIVAR COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIRE STATION CLEVELAND, MISSISSIPPI This new fire station for the Bolivar County Volunteer Fire Department provides more space for the equipment and existing trucks that no longer had space to live in. The new fire station includes ten available spaces for emergency vehicles, a meeting room, various offices, and an upstairs sleeping quarters. Scheduled to finish construction in the Spring of 2021. The station is located in downtown Cleveland in an area with commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings.

BRUCE FORESTRY MUSEUM BRUCE, MISSISSIPPI Located in the historic Bruce Square, this building was covered with metal panels in the 1950s. Legislative funding helped secure and stabilize the building, remove the metal panels, and restore the metal facade. The painted signage was uncovered and stained. Community events and exhibits are housed here.

BAY ST. LOUIS BOYS & GIRLS CLUB BAY ST. LOUIS, MISSISSIPPI The Bay St. Louis Boys and Girls Club is located in the former Vo-Tech Building of the Velena C. Jones School (built in 1956). After Hurricane Katrina, the building functioned as an emergency operation center and in 2010 it was renovated to be used by the Boys and Girls Club. The 4,700 square foot building was renovated to honor the original garage and classroom but modified to fit the members’ needs; incorporating a stage for small performances, a projection screen for movies, pool tables, air hockey, lounge seating and computer stations. While the exposed wood structure ceiling is original, colorful gypsum board clouds were added to accommodate lighting and mitigate sound. The exterior was fully renovated, including restoration of the original steel windows, a new roof, and the addition of sidewalks.

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BAY ST. LOUIS DEPOT BAY ST. LOUIS, MISSISSIPPI The Bay St. Louis Depot, constructed circa 1928 by the L&N Railroad Company as a passenger depot, is the centerpiece of the beautiful historic Depot District. The primary scope of work for the project involved restoration of the exterior envelope, including stucco, masonry, steel windows, and doors. Additional areas of work included the restoration of the gazebo, lighting upgrades, and railway walkway upgrades. Interior work included repairs to the plaster due to water intrusion from cracking stucco and leaking windows. The depot currently houses the Hancock County Tourism Development Bureau and Visitors Center.

BAY ST. LOUIS HISTORIC CITY HALL BAY ST. LOUIS, MISSISSIPPI Built in 1905 the Historic Bay Saint Louis City Hall is one of the older commercial buildings in the city, surviving Hurricane Katrina damaged but still intact. The city recognized the historical value in the building and began an exterior rehabilitation project. The City of Bay Saint Louis envisioned a new use as a community facility. The non-original finishes were removed to discover the original configuration of spaces including jail cells, a sheriff’s office, original door locations, and original finishes. With this information, BSA developed a plan to provide a meeting room, kitchen, ADA access, and restrooms on the lower level and a conference room and offices on the upper level. The restoration repaired existing finishes, and matched finishes/details where deteriorated. Acoustic treatment helped isolate the two levels while maintaining the original appearance of exposed beams on the lower level. CANTON DEPOT CANTON, MISSISSIPPI The original portion of the Canton Depot was constructed in 1890. The Illinois Central Railroad Company owned and maintained the depot until 1991 when it was purchased by the Canton Redevelopment Authority (CRA). The restoration of the depot, completed in 1999, was primarily funded through the Mississippi Department of Transportation’s ISTEA program. The project was started by Architect John Robbins, and completed by Belinda Stewart Architects, PA. The restoration project included restoration of the building’s exterior, rehabilitation of the interior to house the Chamber of Commerce and the Canton Depot Museum – reflecting the history of Madison County and how the “iron horse” affected social and economic growth and development, particularly the area in and around Canton. 169

CANTON HIGH SCHOOL CANTON, MISSISSIPPI The Canton High School building was designated as a Mississippi Landmark and individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The school was converted to provide residential living units. The masonry facade stretches for almost 400 feet and the site contains 62,000 square feet. The two story building consists of a central corridor with classrooms and an auditorium and gymnasium that extends from the back. The primary structure of the building consists of concrete and masonry load bearing walls, concrete and wood flooring, and wood roof framing. This project included a full exterior restoration, including window, masonry, and roof and copper gutter repairs along with full interior rehabilitation.

CHAPEL OF MEMORIES AT MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI The MSU Bell Tower at the Chapel of Memories was designed and constructed in 1964 using salvaged brick from the Old Main dormitory fire in 1959. The brick masonry on the tower was in serious need of stabilization and restoration when this project began. In fact, the University had stopped ringing the bells regularly due to the masonry’s unstable condition. The tower is constructed of a steel frame, with multiple concrete slabs at intermediate levels and two withes of brick masonry on the exterior. The upper two levels of the brick walls were dismantled to provide access for the repairs and proper detailing of the masonry and flashing. Additionally, steel cabling was incorporated into the structure to lessen the movement of the tower.

CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI The scope of work included a Master Plan for the entire facility and the programming needs of the congregation to project over a 15 year period. Recommendations were divided into three phases. Phase I included exterior restoration of the existing building to prevent moisture infiltration and further deterioration, along with exterior lighting and restoration of the Tiffany stained glass windows. Phase II involved interior restoration of the historic sanctuary and construction of a new Parish Hall, educational building, and a courtyard development. Lastly, Phase III recommended acquiring adjacent property and providing an administrative building and a small chapel.

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COVINGTON COUNTY DHS COLLINS, MISSISSIPPI This building houses several divisions of the Covington County Department Human Services and was designed to be a “one-stop-shop” for the people of Covington County. The existing building was very dated and suffered from roof leaks and inefficient mechanical systems. Phase I included the construction of a new office addition of decorative CMU and storefront windows. Phase II involved the remodel, both interior and exterior of the existing building. The connection of the two areas and phases of work was carefully planned and executed to work with and around the daily operation of the staff and visitors. The facility needed to be functional in layout for operations, inviting to clients/ visitors, and easily maintained.

DEXTER HALL AT THE BOSWELL REGIONAL CENTER MAGEE, MISSISSIPPI Dexter Hall was constructed in 1928 as a four-unit, two-story apartment building. The complete interior and exterior renovation of the building converted the building into four administrative office spaces. A twostory enclosed lattice feature at the rear of the building was modified and restored to bring people into a new accessible entry door and common lobby space. The main center stairwell core was opened up to the rear of the building to allow vertical movement from both sides. The interior renovation included minor wall modifications, new insulation in the attic and underfloor, installation of a two-story wheelchair lift, plaster repair, new mechanical electrical and plumbing systems throughout, new casework, and restored finishes. The exterior scope of work included brick masonry, cast stone restoration, complete window restoration, new roofing, drainage, sidewalks, and a handicap accessible ramp. EARLY GROVE PROPERTIES EUPORA, MISSISSIPPI A local private investment group was created to identify potential redevelopment projects in Eupora – focusing on the most visible “eyesores” in town so that their rehabilitation and return to active use would benefit the historic downtown. Four buildings were chosen – a former 1930s gas station, 1940s machine shop, and two twentieth-century metal warehouse structures. The buildings were located at the intersection of the two busiest streets in town and in prime view along the main entry into downtown. The backside of the warehouses have been repurposed to provide commercial storefronts. Both other buildings are also occupied and provide a vibrant corner at the main entrance into the city.

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ENOCHS HALL AT THE MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL OF THE ARTS BROOKHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI BSA assisted the Mississippi School of the Arts with a multiphase renovation of this 1920 historic dormitory and cafeteria into a mixed use classroom, black box theater, and student gallery facility. The work included stabilization, structural framing, partial exterior renovation, interior rehabilitation, window restoration, and tile roof relaying and repair. Enochs Hall is constructed of solid masonry load bearing walls topped with a wood roof structure supporting clay tile roofing. The concrete floor and open column/beam layout on the first level is unique to the building, as the second and third floor finishes are tongue and groove wood floors and ceilings and plaster walls with a wood lath substructure on interior partitions. The building retains many of the original woodworking, details, doors and windows. EUPORA DEPOT EUPORA, MISSISSIPPI The Eupora Depot, a former Columbus and Greenville Passenger Depot, was acquired by the city of Eupora. The city partnered with the Eupora Beautification Committee and the Mississippi Department of Transportation to begin the restoration and renovation of the historic structure. The building was fully restored from the foundation to the roof; older elements were restored while new elements were added to meet the functional needs of the facility. A multipurpose room for the community was added and the wood storage cell was developed into a small kitchen area. A large undeveloped parking area was removed north of the depot and a small park was developed in the location of the original city park which was removed 40 years ago. The depot and park restoration has helped spur additional development in downtown Eupora.

EUPORA FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH EUPORA, MISSISSIPPI This beloved Sanctuary was in need of interior renovation as the last renovation was completed in 1983, where many character giving elements were removed. This project addressed not only sanctuary upgrades but the overall heating and air infrastructure of the church, exterior moisture repairs, lighting upgrades, energy efficiency and other audio/visual upgrades. BSA worked with committees to develop an interior renovation plan that could evoke the rich history of the congregation, while sending a message of care and timelessness. The interior project included an enlarged choir/ stage area, restoring the wood floors once covered by carpet, additional wood paneling matching the existing and installation of new pattern carpet walkway/runners, pew refinishing and implementation of unseen service elements.

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GUARANTY BANK & TRUST COMPANY GREENWOOD, MISSISSIPPI The Historic Wilson Banking Company Building, located in the Cotton Row Historic District in Greenwood, Mississippi, was purchased to be utilized as a bank again. This project was championed by the owner’s desire to expose the original character of this 1913 Beaux-Arts building and restore the exterior and interior while sensitively inserting the modernized retail branding for Guaranty Bank & Trust Company. The original mosaic tile floor, plaster beamed ceilings, and glazed brick vault were exposed and re-imagined for the new bank spaces, and a private office block was inserted and set off the historic walls. This project was completed with Adrenaline Agency and David Smith Construction, Inc.

HARRIETTE PERSON MEMORIAL LIBRARY PORT GIBSON, MISSISSIPPI The Harriette Person Memorial Library is the oldest continually operating library in the state of Mississippi. The rehabilitation project included the relocation of the library out of temporary location in a residential neighborhood into the heart of downtown – with the conversion of a significant, but underutilized, historic downtown commercial building providing a library facility with plenty of room for site development and future growth. The project was completed with the needs of the facility as the first priority. One third of the facility is designed for use by children – as well as an outdoor story-telling garden and plaza. Non-original elements/partitions/finishes were removed and the original layout of the building was restored. The facade was restored to its original character.

HIGHLAND BAPTIST CHURCH MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI Highland Baptist Church is an expanding church community that dates back to the 1950s. With their former sanctuary idle for much of the year, the church came to BSA with the hope of transforming their chapel into new church offices while maintaining its original character. The new offices are located on both the main floor of the original sanctuary as well as the existing balcony above. By relocating the offices, the church is able to reuse the old office space for a large gathering area and upgraded restrooms. Highland Baptist Church also requested upgrades and consolidation of their Children and Youth classrooms as their need for classroom facilities have changed. The church wants to create “zones” inside their building, providing dedicated spaces specifically for Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry. Interior restoration of the current sanctuary is now underway. 173

HINDS COUNTY ARMORY JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI Belinda Stewart Architects was hired by the Bureau of Buildings and MDAH in the spring of 2012 to conduct an Existing Facilities Report and Feasibility Study for the Hinds County Armory Building, built in the 1920s. Located on the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in downtown Jackson, Mississippi. The armory is one of the state’s few remaining Gothic Revivalstyle buildings. Although the building has suffered significant damage to both interior and exterior, much of its original character remains intact. The report included a thorough analysis of the facility, describing the significance, description, and condition of the structure and its components, the feasibility of restoring or rehabilitating the building, and prioritized recommendations of work needed with approximate costs. This provided necessary information to direct the overall rehabilitation of the building – and to be able to communicate the need to potential funding providers. HISTORIC CENTRAL FIRE STATION CLARKSDALE, MISSISSIPPI The Central Fire Station in Clarksdale, Mississippi is a two-story solid masonry building located near downtown. The building was designed by Brewer & Skewes Architects & Engineers and built in 1956. The fire station was designated a Mississippi Landmark in 2012. It is an excellent example of historic Mississippi civic architecture with an international style. The fire station has one addition, a twenty-first-century metal building addition of three parking bays to the fire station’s rear. This addition is not visible from the primary streets and is no longer used as the fire station’s primary truck bays. The first floor houses 3 truck bays with original doors, 2 offices, a dispatch post, lounge, storage rooms, kitchen, public bathroom, and a two-story cleaning and drying tower for hoses. The second floor contains the private quarters for the firemen, including a bathroom with a shower, locker room, a large bunk room, small bedroom, and storage. HOLMES COUNTY COURTHOUSE LEXINGTON, MISSISSIPPI The Holmes County Courthouse was constructed in 1894 and retains much of its historic character and significance. Designed by W. Chamberlain & Co., it is a wonderful example of both the Queen Anne and Romanesque architectural styles. The courthouse is also significant for its prominent downtown location and as the setting for events during the Civil Rights Movement. BSA has assisted Holmes county with repairs to their courthouse over two decades including tower repairs, damage from a fire, car accidents, and hail. This has included grant work, roof work, masonry repairs, and structural repairs.

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IMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH WINONA, MISSISSIPPI Immanuel Church is a much loved Gothic Revival Church Building, built in 1909, in Winona, Mississippi. It is an excellent example of a small town Gothic Revival Church from the first decade of the twentieth century and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It retains its original structure, windows, and interior fittings including woodwork, floors, pews, organ and alter furniture. The Phased project began with a facility study to investigate water infiltration and additional restoration needs. The next phase included re-roofing the building using appropriate slate and historic replication of the kneeling bench pattern for new wool carpet. The current project involves restoration of the historic stained glass windows in multiple phases to accommodate the continued use of the building, particularly for community events such as weddings and memorials.

JACKSON ZOO EXHIBITS JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI The new Asian Tiger Exhibit for the Jackson Zoo is a project that focused on a new exhibit area, renovations of an existing exhibit area, holding building for the tigers and a new Asian inspired viewing pavilion. The 10,000 sq ft Tiger Exhibit consists of a pool, a simulated rock wall based on the natural habitat of the Sumatran Tiger, and exhibit enclosure. The holding area for the Tigers includes five bedrooms with sliding doors in between each room for optional interaction between the tigers, a shift run with veterinarian enclosure area, and an outdoor holding area for tiger separation as needed. The viewing pavilion includes two large pieces of laminate glass for up close nose-to-nose viewing with the tigers while providing shade for the exhibit. One can find often find a tiger or two sitting below the glass for viewing pleasure. JENKINS HALL AT HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE RAYMOND, MISSISSIPPI Built in 1951, Jenkins Hall serves as one of the administration buildings for the college and is home to the Vice President, Dean of Academia, Financial Aid and Student Loans, Accounts Receivable, Veterans Affairs, and Honors Program offices. This renovation completely restored and renovated both the interior and exterior of the building. BSA also restored the remaining original elements and designed the space to meet administrative and student needs. A new roof, leader heads, and downspouts were provided. The entry lobbies were restored to their original one-story height, which returned much-needed office and meeting space above. New doors and trim were provided to match the original detailing that remained.

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JOHNSON COMMONS EAST AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI The renovation and rehabilitation of the Johnson Commons East Building includes the restoration of existing building components (with an emphasis on the building envelope and moisture intrusion), new mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems, a new sprinkler system, ADA upgrades, new space layout to accommodate users, code upgrades, site access, and drainage improvements. Renovation and layout of building entry points connect with the adjacent Johnson Commons West Building. The building will have event space for the university, office for Event Services, and academic space on the lower floor.

KNOX HOUSE KILMICHAEL, MISSISSIPPI The Knox House, a one hundred and fifty year old home turned wedding venue, included a multi-phased repair and historically appropriate addition to the house including a new master bedroom, bathroom, sunroom, and 1000 square foot back porch with ADA access. The back porch is connected to the front porch by an eighty-foot-long covered loggia. The additions and outbuildings were designed to meet the growing needs for this venue, including weddings ceremonies, reception, or family reunions, including the vernacular details of the existing structure and the surrounding area. Additional site developments and house additions are currently being planned.

LEXINGTON CITY HALL LEXINGTON, MISSISSIPPI The existing city hall required upgrades to meet accessibility requirements and to better relate to the city. In a multiphase project, BSA designed an addition to the existing City Hall to include a new entrance foyer and ADA restrooms, and assisted with the replacement of the low slope roofing membrane.

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MADISON COUNTY COURTHOUSE CANTON, MISSISSIPPI The Madison County Courthouse, one of seven pre-Civil War courthouses remaining in Mississippi, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and as a Mississippi Landmark. It is exemplary in its basically unaltered condition and use of major Greek Revival elements. The grounds of the courthouse square are crossed by concrete paths and are casually landscaped with several large oaks and magnolias. Encircling the perimeter of the square is a cast iron fence erected in 1858 and manufactured by T. T. Baker of Cincinnati. Work on this project began with an Existing Facilities Report, with a focus on chronic moisture intrusion. The first phase of work addressed the exterior restoration, including envelope issues contributing to this issue, HVAC controls and repair of interior moisture damage. Subsequent phases include planning for reconstruction of the courtroom and repair and restoration of the cupola and roof. MAGNOLIA DEPOT MAGNOLIA, MISSISSIPPI The Historic Magnolia Depot was built in 1856 and burned during the Great Fire of Magnolia in 1893 and soon was rebuilt in its current location, along the Illinois Central Railroad. The City of Magnolia purchased the depot with plans of using it as their City Hall and other community functions. This project received a full exterior restoration by restoring the original windows, the exterior siding and providing new doors and windows where the previous freight doors were located. The interior renovation focused mainly on restoring the original elements, such as beaded board wall finish, doors, ticket window casework and wood flooring. The freight room now includes city hall offices and the remaining portion of the freight room is currently being used as the city’s board room. The original scale remains in the freight room in working condition. MAGNOLIA FARMERS MARKET PAVILION MAGNOLIA, MISSISSIPPI BSA recently designed a Farmers Market pavilion in downtown Magnolia to provide shelter to market goers. The pavilion is located adjacent to the railroad in the center of town, in an area previously used for market sales. The roof steps up in the center to provide air movement to help cool the area in hot weather.

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MARCUS RILEY RESIDENCE SPRING HILL, MISSISSIPPI A traditional residence was designed as a quiet serene retreat overlooking a large cultivated valley and wooded hills. We designed this small house constructed of simple durable materials including a split face block exterior, wood shake roofing, quarry tile floors and painted tongue and groove walls and ceilings, an underground water source heat pump and well insulated walls and ceilings. The house is sited in a small natural clearing facing southeast from the summit of a grass hill. It contains 888 square feet and was owner contracted.

THE MASON BOUTIQUE HOTEL LOUISVILLE, MISSISSIPPI The new plan for the boutique hotel, built in 1922, was designed with preservation as the main driver, retaining as much of the existing interior layout as possible. By doing so, the building maintained most of its original layout. The professional office spaces primarily became the hotel rooms and bathrooms. The lodge space was designed to be a grand ballroom and event space. The former Eastern Star room was subdivided to be brides’ and grooms’ suites as well as a small reception/ breakfast room. The original entry stairway was able to be retained and reused. Egress was a key element of the design with a new rear stair constructed with access to a side street entry. The alleyway behind the building was developed into a wonderful outdoor gathering space.

PITTMAN LOG HOUSE WALTHALL, MISSISSIPPI The Pittman Log House is a single pen log building, constructed ca 1835-1860. It remains on its original homestead but has been moved from its original location. The house is significant as an example of early settlement structures in North Mississippi and for its distinctive cantilever log construction and unusual corner notching. The cabin was originally part of a two room saddle back log home. Each log cabin (pen) shared a large central fireplace. The current cabin was moved across the site and eventually used as a farm crib. It is being restored and converted into an office for the current owner. The logs will be restored, doors and fireplace reconstructed and new appropriate interior elements added to provide a bathroom, kitchenette and partial loft. The porch flooring will be reconstructed, and the incredible cantilevered logs restored to support the roof overhang. 178

POLK’S MEAT MARKET WOODVILLE, MISSISSIPPI The rehabilitation of the interior and exterior of the historic and iconic Polk’s Meat Market building was an effort to save the Polk’s Meat Market building, circa 1900, to include it as a visitor information gateway to the Woodville/Wilkinson County Main Street’s Pocket Park Project. Once stabilized and rehabilitated, it showcased the unique history of Woodville. The building will educate the public through the use of educational panels highlighting the contributions of the Polk and Johnson families, AfricanAmerican entrepreneurs who operated businesses in the building and made significant contributions to the Woodville community. The building will act as an economic driver for downtown, a landmark where tourists would begin their visit as they come downtown from Highway 61. The building will also serve as a teaching vehicle to honor the spirit of entrepreneurship and historic preservation. PRENTISS COUNTY COURTHOUSE BOONEVILLE, MISSISSIPPI The current Prentiss County Courthouse in Booneville, Mississippi is the result of a major renovation/reconstruction following a devastating fire in the 1920s. Much of the original masonry structure remains from the original nineteenth-century courthouse. This work was in dire need of restoration due to structural movement, brick veneer separation, inappropriate modifications, and outdated technology. Exterior work included a new roof, window and door restoration, and brick restoration (cleaning, brick ties, and partial rebuilding where structurally necessary). A new plaster skim coat was added to the original walls while maintaining original trim and details. The drop ceilings were removed in the courtroom to expose the balcony and allow natural light. Historically appropriate pews were installed.

ROWAN OAK AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI Rowan Oak was originally constructed between 1844 and 1848 by the Sheegog family. It passed through the hands of the Bailey family until William Faulkner purchased it for $6,000 on April 12, 1930. The house was originally built in an “L” shape; however, the kitchen, pantry, and rear additions were made by both the Baileys and Faulkners. Faulkner selected the “legend of the Rowan tree from Frazer’s Golden Bough” as an inspiration for his new home’s name. Repair and restoration of the house’s exterior, including re-roofing and repair at areas of moisture infiltration, has been completed as well as the exterior having been fully painted.

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SHARKEY HAMPTON LAKE VOLUNTEER FIRE STATION TALLAHATCHIE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI The Hampton Lake fire department volunteers had been servicing the area for a few years without a facility to house trucks and equipment. Constructing a new multi-purpose building met the fire department’s needs as well as provided recreation and meeting space to community residents. The station is approximately 4,900 square feet with a steel framing, concrete foundation, masonry walls, and metal roofing. Four truck bays are included as well as a pedestrian entrance and exit. The structure was designed within the character of its rural location. This project positively affects the community by increasing the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens within the fire department’s area of service and increasing community-sponsored activities and meetings.

SIMPSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE MENDENHALL, MISSISSIPPI The Simpson County Courthouse in South Central Mississippi is a threestory, Neo-Classical style buff brick building built in 1907. This building was reviewed and evaluated based on historical information gathered as well as a site investigation. From the resulting report, we were able to assess its current condition, identify challenges and opportunities, and provide the owner with recommendations regarding the prioritized phasing and preliminary cost estimates. This Historic Structures Report was then used by the Simpson County Board of Supervisors to move forward with Phase One being the repairs and restoration of the roof.

STRAND THEATER KOSCIUSKO, MISSISSIPPI The Strand Theatre was constructed in 1929 and operated as a community theatre/auditorium. The city hired BSA to conduct an Existing Facilities Analysis and Report in October 2008. We found that the building was in good condition; however, it required some repairs and upgrades. The first phase of work included replacing the roof, restoration of the front facade, wood window replications, replication/replacement of the vertical marquee, replacement of the canopy structure, new door and panel systems, and refurbishing of the ticket booth from the 1950s. This phase of work was supported by funding from the Mississippi Legislature through the Mississippi Arts Commission. The next phase of work is in process, including interior rehabilitation to provide an event/theater space and museum exhibits.

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TATE COUNTY COURTHOUSE SENATOBIA, MISSISSIPPI The Tate County Courthouse – a Mississippi Landmark – was fully restored in this project, including a state-funded restoration of the historic second floor courtroom. Original finishes were restored and new partitions/ finishes were incorporated. Paint analysis was conducted in the historic courtroom and the original paint colors were restored – resulting in a rich polychromatic scheme. One of the primary challenges of this project was to add approximately twice the existing square footage without detracting from the historic structure. The solution entailed placing an addition incorporating two additional courtrooms and the majority of the back court functions on the back side of the courthouse with a courtyard between the two. This courtyard gives the appearance of two separate buildings connected by an overhead walkway. TRAILHEAD BIKE & BED HOUSTON, MISSISSIPPI The Tanglefoot Trail begins in Houston, MS and extends to New Albany along the former Gulf and Ship Island Railroad line. It is a very popular bike and hiking trail. The Nabors saw the need for an overnight stay location to encourage people on the trail to spend the night in Houston as part of their trail adventure. BSA designed room plans and master planning for the Houston Trailhead Bike & Bed. BSA assisted with designing all new rooms for bikers along the Houston Trailhead and an outdoor space that included a courtyard with outdoor dining.

VICKSBURG CITY HALL VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI The Vicksburg City Hall, constructed in 1894, is a Beaux-Arts Classical Revival design by prolific Texas architect J. Riley Gordon. The four corners of the rounded front building originally has a 2-story porch, later enclosed, and winged heralds blowing trumpets on the roof. Work included analysis and assessment of the building and phase one exterior restoration. The building faces the historic Mississippi River Commission Building (also a BSA project). This project included partial roof replacement and repairs to the low slope roof and gutter, and restoration of the wood windows.

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WALTHALL BAPTIST CHURCH WALTHALL, MISSISSIPPI The Walthall Baptist Church has evolved and grown over the last few decades. An educational wing and multi-purpose facility were added in 1992, and a larger sanctuary was added in 2004. The new traditional sanctuary was designed to seat 350 people on the main floor with a choir of 50, and a balcony area to seat 120. The carillon tower located at the front of the sanctuary contains the foyer and is lit from above by a monumental stained glass window. The multi-purpose addition is a full two-story height to accommodate basketball and other activities. Natural light is introduced into the multipurpose room from clerestory windows that run the length of the building. The sloped site allowed for the front elevation of the multi-purpose room to appear to be one story. WALTHALL COURTHOUSE SQUARE PARK WALTHALL, MISSISSIPPI The Walthall Courthouse Square Park is the wonderful and hard-fought result of the most devastating event to happen to this community – the 2013 Webster County Courthouse Fire. Key elements of the Courthouse were retained to help tell the story of the Courthouse Square and to reflect the importance of this site to the community. A historic marker, including descriptive information and a drawing of the Courthouse facade, was installed on the site. This project represents the best of community activism and citizen architects coming together to improve their community. A next phase is currently being planned to develop a farmer’s market pavilion across the street.

WHITE’S CREEK LAKE PARK PAVILION EUPORA, MISSISSIPPI The City of Eupora received a grant of $20,000 to fund the construction of this pavilion. The design of the structure is based on the vernacular architecture of the area. It is constructed of simple, locally available materials and was assembled by local builders under contract to the city. The pavilion is the primary facility at the adjacent Whites Creek Lake and houses many functions including weddings, birthday parties, reunions, receptions, school events, and much more.

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YALOBUSHA COUNTY COURTHOUSE COFFEEVILLE, MISSISSIPPI The Coffeeville Courthouse, one of two Yalobusha County Courthouses, was constructed in 1890 and primarily consists of brick masonry with intricate detailing and a wood structure which was in poor condition. The octagonal shape of the exterior carries through to the interior trim details and courtroom layout. During restoration the exterior and interior were fully restored including removal of modern partitions and drop ceilings, restoration of the deteriorated floor structure, and reorientation of the courtroom to the original layout. The former small jailhouse behind the courthouse was modified for additional office space with a sensitive small bath addition. A holding cell was incorporated near the witness stand. Services were coordinated between the two courthouses so that all departments were open throughout construction. Both buildings are designated Mississippi Landmarks through the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. YALOBUSHA COUNTY COURTHOUSE WATER VALLEY, MISSISSIPPI The Water Valley Courthouse was originally constructed in 1886, with significant modifications following a fire in 1913. The upper floors of this three story masonry, steel and concrete building were unusable due to serious structural deficiencies. The exterior rehabilitation of the building included reinstallation of the historic decorative cornice, cleaning and tuckpointing of the exterior masonry and restoration of the terracotta details. The courtroom and first floor offices were restored to the former configuration, including an open balcony. The chancery addition was required to provide additional space and was designed with reference to the existing historic jail building and to be compatible with the historic courthouse.

YAZOO & MS VALLEY RAILROAD DEPOT VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI In conjunction with an MDOT grant, BSA assisted with the restoration of the Depot cupola and tower, windows, porch railings, and North elevation masonry. The project also include a complete replacement of the elevator, which was complicated by the nearby Yazoo and Mississippi river flooding during work. Additional steps were taken to protect the new elevator from high flood damage costs in the future. The Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Depot on Levee Street is a fine example of Georgian Revival architecture designed by the firm of D.H. Burnham & Co. of Chicago. The building served as a primary passenger depot for the city starting with its construction in 1907 and currently houses The Old Depot museum, which contains various historical artifacts, dioramas, and memorabilia related to the river, railroad, and the Siege of Vicksburg. 183

COURTHOUSES Calloway County Courthouse - Murrah, KY: Historic Structures Report Alcorn County Courthouse – Corinth, MS: Preliminary design of courtroom restoration. Oxford U.S. Courthouse – Oxford, MS: Window analysis and recommendations. Thad Cochran U.S. Courthouse – Jackson, MS: ADA analysis and modifications. Dan M. Russell, Jr. U.S. Courthouse – Gulfport, MS: Fire Protection upgrades. William M. Colmer Federal Building Courthouse - Hattiesburg, MS: Building Design Standards for GSA IDIQ project. Kemper County Courthouse - DeKalb, MS: Existing facilities report and moisture mitigation recommendations. Attala County Courthouse - Kosciusko, MS: Existing facilities report and ADA modifications, Portico restoration. Marshall County Courthouse - Holly Springs, MS: Existing facilities report and roofing/structural repairs; earlier phase - preliminary design phase for potential addition (unbuilt).

Louisville First Presbyterian Church - Louisville, MS: Existing facilities analysis and Phase I sanctuary renovation. Episcopal Church of the Incarnation - West Point, MS: Master planning. Lewis Memorial Methodist Church - Calhoun City, MS: Multipurpose annex - new construction on town square First Presbyterian Church - Grenada, MS: Existing facilities review focusing on moisture problems. The Dwelling Place Administration Building - Brooksville, MS: New administrative and dining building for the retreat campus (planning only). First Methodist Church - Eupora, MS: Planning for additions and ADA upgrades. St. John Catholic Church - Eupora, MS: Existing facilities evaluation, planning, and interior renovations. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church - Lexington, MS: Evaluation/assistance with historic materials. Vardaman First Baptist Church - Vardaman, MS: Design studies for sanctuary expansion (unbuilt).

Wilkinson County Courthouse - Woodville, MS: Existing facility review, grant writing assistance, Phase I roofing.

First Apostolic Church - Carthage, MS: New construction.

Chickasaw County Courthouse - Houston, MS: Existing facilities review, successful grant application for preservation grant to reconstruct historic windows and provide upgrades (unbuilt).

West Point Episcopal Church - West Point, MS: Master planning.

Lauderdale County Courthouse - Meridian, MS: Grant assistance, Existing facilities review and master plan.

Chester Baptist Church - Ackerman, MS: Site development. Booth Hill Church - Webster County, MS: New sanctuary master planning (unbuilt). Carrollton Baptist Church - Carrollton, MS: Existing facilities analysis / structural analysis.

Quitman County Courthouse - Marks, MS: Planning, grant assistance, exterior restoration.

Adaton Baptist Church - Oktibbeha County, MS: New sanctuary.

Webster County Courthouse - Walthall, MS: Master planning, ADA upgrades and various repairs, renovation and studies.

Christian World Mission - Starkville, MS: New construction.

Mt. Vernon Baptist Church - Webster County, MS: New sanctuary.

Franklin County Courthouse - Meadville, MS: Grant assistance

Calhoun City United Methodist Church - Calhoun City, MS: New Community and multi-purpose annex.

Leake County Courthouse - Carthage, MS: Existing facilities review and recommendations for Chancery office upgrades (unbuilt).

DEPOTS

CHURCHES / RELIGIOUS

Tallahassee Depot – Tallahassee, FL - Tallahassee, FL: Historic Structures Report

Eudora A.M.E. Church Restoration – Marks, MS: Grant assistance.

M&O Depot Rehabilitation - Aberdeen, MS: Restoration of original elements, renovation and addition to provide functional event space.

Temple B’Nai Temple – Natchez, MS: System upgrades, repair and restoration.

Greenville C&G Railroad - Greenwood, MS: Grant assistance.

Iuka Methodist Church – Iuka, MS: Sanctuary Restoration.

Durant Depot Restoration - Durant, MS: Grant assistance, existing facilities review, Phase I window and door restoration and Phase II partial restoration.

Iuka Episcopal Church, “The Little Church” – Iuka, MS: Preliminary Interior Design. Windows of Amory – former First Christian Church – Amory, MS: Historic Structures Report; Phase 1 partial Exterior restoration. Harmony Church Rehabilitation – Alva, MS: Relocation and rehabilitation to provide retreat. First Apostolic Church – Carthage, MS: New Sanctuary. Noxapater United Methodist Church - Noxapater, MS: Analysis and recommendations for moisture mitigation and stained glass window restoration. First United Methodist Church - Louisville, MS: Phase I Interior restoration and ADA upgrades, Phase II master plan, structural renovations.

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Gulf & Ship Island Railroad Depot - Collins, MS: Exterior and interior restoration. West Depot Relocation - West, MS: Former Casey Jones museum, completed with Diversified Consultants, Inc. Flora Depot Rehabilitation - Flora, MS: Exterior and interior rehabilitation. Woodville Depot Restoration - Woodville, MS: Exterior preservation, interior rehabilitation through construction document phase (building burned during bidding phase).

THEATERS / ARTS-RELATED FACILITIES Franklin Grove Estate and Gardens – Franklin, TN: Restoration of former college campus to house Art Gallery, Museum, Event spaces and public garden.

Madison Performing Arts Center / Gymnasium Rehabilitation – Madison, MS: Historic Structures Report; Preliminary Design.

Walton-Young House Repairs and Exterior Restoration - Oxford, MS: Existing facilities study and recommendations for exterior repairs and painting.

Woodville Arts Park - Woodville, MS: Design assistance to Woodville Main Street for Picket Park.

Mississippi Maritime Museum - Pascagoula, MS: Grant assistance and with Mississippi State University School of Architecture - community-based charrette to provide preliminary design and planning assistance.

Carnegie Auditorium Stabilization - Rust College, Holly Springs, MS: Structural analysis and Phase I stabilization of the severely deteriorated main auditorium on the former Mississippi Industrial College campus.

Waynesboro Museum - Waynesboro, MS: Mississippi Department of Transportation funded renovation of former Wal-Mart building as community museum.

Coleman Center for the Arts - York, AL: Existing facilities report for multiple arts-related buildings.

UM Museum Building Masonry Review and Recommendations - Oxford, MS: Existing facilities study focusing on the failing masonry conditions.

Clarksdale City Auditorium - Clarksdale, MS: Grant assistance, partial restoration.

Tallahatchie County Courthouse Museum Installation - Sumner, MS: Master planning and initial phase of installation of digital-based museum installation focusing on Emmett Till.

Ellis Theater Restoration - Cleveland, MS: Grant assistance and implementation of Phase II restoration.

Curlee House Museum - Corinth, MS: Various repairs, ADA upgrades, and site dev.

Booneville Hardware Arts Center - Booneville, MS: Existing facilities review, schematic design and grant assistance.

Perry County Jail Rehabilitation - Marion, AL: Rehabilitation of historic jail to house civil rights museum and informative center.

Eupora Arts Park - Eupora, MS: New pocket park in burned out building shell.

Franklin Historic Masonic Hall Restoration - Franklin, TN: Existing facilities report, facade reconstruction and stabilization, planning for full restoration and addition.

BLY Theater Rehabilitation - Eupora, MS: Grant assistance, fund raising assistance, planning and rehabilitation of former theater for local arts center. Holmes County Arts and Education Center - Lexington, MS: Phased rehabilitation of commercial building on Courthouse Square to provide home for communitybased arts programs. Charleston Arts Center - Charleston, MS: Preliminary studies for development of Arts Center in former Bank of Charleston. MUW Whitfield Hall / Rent Auditorium - Mississippi University for Women: Exterior and auditorium restoration, interior renovations, and technology upgrades. Strand Theater - Louisville, MS: Exterior restoration and planning for multiple phase rehabilitation. Mary Ricks Thornton Cultural Arts Center - Kosciusko, MS: Exterior repairs and partial restoration.

MUSEUMS / DISPLAY / VISITOR’S CENTER Eudora Welty Education Center – Jackson, MS: Planning and Schematic design for new Education Center at the Eudora Welty historic home. Emmett Till National Monument – Tallahatchie County, MS: Planning and preliminary design for monument at river site. Okolona Visitor’s Center – Okolona, MS: Stabilization and phase 1 rehabilitation of downtown storefront to house visitor’s center. Walnut Grove Senior Center – Walnut Grove, MS: Planning and design for new Senior Center. Myrtle Hall Library – Clarksdale, MS: Analysis and preliminary design to stabilize the structure and plan for reconstruction / modifications. National Cemetery Lodge Restorations – Baton Rouge, LA; Mobile, AL; Annapolis, MD; New Bern, NC; Raleigh, NC; Salisbury, NC.*#: Planning, design to restore historic lodge structures. Rowan Oak Repairs and Exterior Restoration - Oxford, MS: Existing facilities report and recommendations for exterior repairs and painting of William Faulkner’s Oxford home.

Beauvoir Katrina Monument Design - Biloxi, MS: With artist William Dunlap, preliminary design of Katrina monument for grounds at Beauvoir (unbuilt). Emmett Till Interpretive Center - Sumner, MS: Historic Wong Building rehabilitation and addition. Rosalie Mansion Gift Shop and Visitor’s Center - Natchez, MS: New construction. Meriwether Lewis Monument - Natchez Trace Parkway, TN: Evaluation, recommendations as consultant to Mississippi Stone Guild. Natchez Memorial Fountain - Natchez, MS: Relocation to original location and restoration as consultant to Mississippi Stone Guild. Shaifer House - Port Gibson Battlefield, MS: Existing facilities review and recommendations. Museum of Maben History - Preliminary design studies to rehabilitate cotton warehouse into museum. Wetherbee Carriage House / Greenville Flood Museum - Greenville, MS: Rehabilitation of carriage house into museum facility. Fort Morgan Mater Plan - Gulf Shores, AL: Masonry evaluation and recommendations as consultant to Mississippi Stone Guild.

EDUCATIONAL Ballew Hall Rehabilitation – Mississippi State, MS*: Redevelopment of former agricultural teaching facility to administrative office. Senatobia High School Repair and Reroofing - Senatobia, MS: Existing facilities report, repair of damaged, deteriorated historic material, facade restoration, and new roof. Marks Rosenwald School Rehabilitation*# - Marks, MS: Existing facilities report, repair of collapsed roof and associated damage and stabilization. Holmes Community College - Goodman, MS: New exercise pavilion, extension of walking track, restoration and renovations to historic McDaniel Auditorium. Shaw High School Rehabilitation - Shaw, MS: Existing facilities report and stabilization of currently vacant historic high school.

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Eupora Softball Concession - Eupora, MS: Design of new concession structure for softball field. MSU Intramural Building - Mississippi State University: New construction of office/ work station for intramural fields. MSU Chiller Plant Thermal Storage Expansion - Mississippi State University: Expansion of current power plant to include chiller ice production and ice storage tanks/system to increase energy efficiency. Johnson Commons East Renovation - University of Mississippi: Full restoration of historic cafeteria building to house campus ballroom and services and Center for Teaching Excellence. EMCC Founders Gym Renovation - Decatur, MS: Existing facilities study, preliminary design studies, Phase I front entrance restoration and Phase II planning and full restoration/renovation.

heating and cooling. MUW Poindexter Hall - Mississippi University for Women: Exterior restoration following storm damage. MUW Whitfield Hall - Mississippi University for Women: Interior and exterior restoration. Mississippi University for Women - Reroofing packages, storm damage repairs and upgrades, partial exterior restoration to several additional buildings on campus.

MEDICAL / INSTITUTIONAL Yazoo County Health Department Renovations – Yazoo City, MS: Repair and modifications of existing health department. Mississippi State Hospital Forensics Building - Whitfield, MS: Renovation and addition to existing facility to house the new Forensics building.

UM Historic Power Plant - University of Mississippi: Existing facilities study and feasibility analysis regarding condition and potential future use of facility.

Dabbs Family Pharmacy - Eupora, MS: New construction including adjacent medical rental space.

Butler Williams Renovation - Mississippi State University: Exterior restoration and renovations of former Student Center to provide public lobby and event space for Alumni and visitors and upgrades to hotel rooms and related services.

Mississippi State Hospital - Whitfield, MS: Repair and restoration of historic tower on administration building and partial restoration.

Matty Hersee Hospital Rehabilitation - Meridian Community College: Interior and exterior renovation to provide Center for Health Education. Croft Institute Exterior Restoration - University of Mississippi: Exterior masonry analysis and recommendations, Phase I repair. Historic Carthage Elementary School - Carthage, MS: Existing facilities analysis and Phase I restoration.

Mississippi State Hospital Building #7 - Whitfield, MS: Restoration of campus kitchen and dining facility and attached office space. Mississippi State Hospital - Whitfield, MS: Maintenance building, existing facility study and exterior repair recommendations. Mississippi State Hospital Building #87 - Whitfield, MS: Pantry and kitchen addition. Mahan Dental Clinic - Brierfield, AL: Design of new dental clinic in historic Brierfield.

Hill Hall Renovation - University of Mississippi: Interior restoration and renovation of historic dormitory facility to house office and classroom space.

Boswell Regional Center - Sanitorium, MS: Reroofing of Spanish clay tile roofs damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

Blue Mountain Bank Rehabilitation - Blue Mountain, MS: Existing facilities analysis and preliminary design to rehabilitate former bank and adjacent commercial space for campus bookstore, classroom, and multipurpose space.

Boswell Regional Center - Magee, MS: Reroofing and modification to former commercial building.

Blue Mountain College Alumni Center - Blue Mountain College: Existing facilities analysis and preliminary design to rehabilitate former residence to provide alumni and event center use. Central Mississippi, Inc. - Upgrades to Head Start facilities throughout 11 county districts. Maben Wicks School - Maben, MS: Existing facilities analysis and feasibility study for potential conversion as community college use. Boswell Regional Center Industrial Education Building - Magee, MS: Roofing and modifications to former commercial building.

Huddleston Medical Clinic - Pontotoc, MS: Design studies for clinic in historic house (unbuilt). Quitman County Hospital Addition - Marks, MS: Senior Psychiatric ward addition to existing hospital. Starkville Clinic for Women - Starkville, MS: Renovations and additions to existing former facility. Webster County Health Department - Eupora, MS: New facility as part of Human Services Building. Lowndes County Health Department - Columbus, MS: Interior renovation.

Eupora High School - Eupora, MS: Reroofing, exterior restoration, waterproofing, press box rehabilitation.

Tombigbee Regional Health Authority - Starkville, MS: ADA compliance renovations to Health Departments in multiple county area.

East Webster High School - Cumberland, MS: Site improvements, bleacher replacement, press box.

COMMERCIAL / INDUSTRIAL

Eupora Elementary School - Eupora, MS: Gymnasium renovations and addition.

Sunset Marina Development – Ross Barnett Reservoir, MS: Planning and design for marina development.

Eupora Junior High School - Eupora, MS: Structural repairs. MSU Harned Hall Reroofing - Mississippi State University: Roofing evaluation, masonry, flashing. Central School HVAC Modifications - West Point, MS: Incorporation of geothermal 186

Wildwood Plantation Commissary Rehabilitation - Money, MS: Rehabilitation of former commissary to house agriculture-based commercial office headquarters. Clarksdale Industrial Building - Map of Easton - Clarksdale, MS: Repairs and

modifications to mid-century industrial facility. Fox and Dunn Buildings - Eupora, MS: Preliminary design to rebuild commercial/ residential functions within burnout downtown commercial structures. Causeyville Store - Lauderdale County, MS: Repairs to historic county store following an automobile crash into building. Okolona Highway 41 Site Planning - Okolona, MS: Planning options for mixed-use development of 10 acres on main entrance path to downtown Okolona. Downtown Grenada Commercial Building Rehabilitation - Grenada, MS: Existing facilities study/reports for six downtown store buildings, rehabilitation of two buildings for commercial on the first floor and residential on upper floors, assistance with historic tax credit requirements. Holly Springs Catering Restaurant - Holly Springs, MS: Interior rehabilitation to house catering restaurant and event space. Childs Mercantile - Eupora, MS: Rehabilitation of historic grocery store to house new commercial retail business. Turner Hotel Rehabilitation - Fayette, AL: Existing facilities study/report and feasibility study to develop hotel property. Central Service Station Improvements - Eupora, MS: Design assistance to turn shop portion of former car dealership into enlarged kitchen, bathrooms, and banquet facility for adjacent restaurant. Rosedale Distillery - Rosedale, MS: Master planning and design for distillery in historic downtown building (unbuilt). Duncan Storefront Improvements - Eupora, MS: Facade design for new commercial space inserted into portion of former larger storefront. Central Service Grill Renovations - Eupora, MS: Rehabilitation of adjacent former shop area to provide added kitchen and dining space. Panola Plaza Renovation - Batesville, MS: Facade studies for grant assistance. Yates Dance Center - Eupora, MS: Facade restoration. 83 N. Dunn Street - Eupora, MS: Facade renovation to regain historic character. Dollar City - Eupora, MS: Facade renovation. Choctaw County Economic Development - Ackerman, MS: Interior renovations. 100 N. Dunn Street - Eupora, MS: Rehabilitation of commercial storefront to house offices and retail. Eupora Facade Studies - Eupora, MS: West Roane Avenue (Taffy building) storefront redevelopment. Williford Gearhart & Knight Engineers Office Rehabilitation - Canton, MS: Interior rehabilitation to provide upgraded office space (unbuilt). McWilliams Building Rehabilitation - Clarksdale, MS: Rehabilitation of Clarksdale’s skyscraper for multi-use commercial building (retail, office, medical, and residential) planning only. Front Door Properties - Eupora, MS: Commercial retail center and downtown housing.

Ackerman Hotel - Ackerman, MS: Existing facilities review and planning for proposed rehabilitation. Stafford Wells Rehabilitation - Canton, MS: Existing facilities review and schematic design studies of historic hotel and grounds as proposed Bed and Breakfast/reception facility. 405 Waldron Street - Corinth, MS: Facade restoration of historic commercial storefront. American Tobacco Factory Rehabilitation - Durham, NC: Existing facilities study, master planning, and schematic design studies for multi-use development. Preservation architectural services for O’Brien Atkins Associates (unbuilt). Imperial Tobacco Factory Rehabilitation - Rocky Mount, NC: Existing facilities study, master planning, and schematic design studies for corporate headquarters for a regional bank. Preservation architectural services for O’Brien Atkins Associates (unbuilt). Inez Hotel - Brookhaven, MS: Recreation of historic balcony/awning and partial storefront reconstruction. Meek Law Office - Eupora, MS: Schematic studies for rehabilitation of former mercantile store (unbuilt).

OTHER GOVERNMENT-RELATED PROJECTS Duncan Park Golf Club Renovations – Natchez, MS *#: Analysis and planning of golf facility in historic structure. Holmes County Administration Addition – Lexington, MS: Rehabilitation of former gas station and addition to house county administrative offices. Carnegie Library Roof – Clarksdale, MS: Analysis and design to mediate roofing and flashing problems. Noxubee County Library – Macon, MS: Partial restoration of existing library in former jail structure. Hugh Craft Cottage Restoration - Holly Springs, MS: Repair and restoration of historic cottage for municipal/non-profit use. Mississippi River Commission Building - Vicksburg, MS: Preservation plan and existing facilities report for former federal courthouse, now used as Corps of Engineers’ facility. Calhoun City Library Interior Renovation - Calhoun City, MS: Interior finish renovations and upgrades. Collins City Hall Rehabilitation - Collins, MS: Existing facilities report and preliminary design to convert the masonic hall upstairs to the board room and related upgrades. Monroe County Records Facility - Aberdeen, MS: Renovations to former County Health Department to provide county archives and records department. Lexington Police Department - Lexington, MS: New police facility (unbuilt). Emmett Till Multi-Purpose Building - Sumner, MS: Existing facilities analysis, grant assistance, and Phase I repair of former industrial building to house county multipurpose facility.

Barrett Law Office, PA - Lexington, MS: Exterior restoration and interior rehab.

Bay St. Louis Current City Hall Renovations - Bay St. Louis, MS: Miscellaneous interior restorations.

Little Priestley House Rehabilitation - Canton, MS: Exterior restoration and interior rehabilitation into Chris’ Back Porch Restaurant.

Bay St. Louis Senior Center - Bay St. Louis, MS: Addition to existing facility. Batesville Code Building - Batesville, MS: Renovation of downtown historic building 187

to house city code office. French Camp Community Center - French Camp, MS: Computer-related center constructed out of renovated shipping containers (unbuilt). West Community Center - West, MS: Interior rehabilitation. Calhoun City Hall - Calhoun City, MS: Rehabilitation of existing 1900s structure. Webster County Library Renovation - Eupora, MS: Interior renovations. Woodland Community Center and Library - Village of Woodland, MS: New construction of community multi-purpose building and community library (unbuilt). North Carolina Attorney General’s Offices - Raleigh, NC: Consulting preservation architect for full building rehabilitation. Preservation architectural services for O’Brien Atkins Associates. Quitman County Small Business Development Center - Lambert, MS: Up-fit existing industrial building to house small business incubator. Tombigbee Regional District Libraries - North Central, MS: Upgrades to existing libraries.

Water Valley Facade Studies - Water Valley, MS: Before and after studies of historic downtown buildings. North Union Cemetery Gate - Bellefontaine, MS: Preliminary design options of large entrance gateway for historic cemetery (unbuilt). MUW Old Maid’s Gate Reconstruction - Columbus, MS: Documentation of severely damaged entrance gate and replacement with matching new materials, construction of similar temporary wood gate for graduation ceremonies. Natchez Memorial Fountain Restoration - Natchez, MS: With Mississippi Stone Guild, restoration of historic drinking fountain and relocation to original downtown site. Calhoun City Downtown Development Study - Calhoun City, MS: Study of all buildings on historic square and recommendations for their redevelopment. Claiborne County Recreational Park Improvements - Port Gibson, MS: Analysis of existing park facilities and addition of public bathrooms and concession area and improvements to grandstands, maintenance facilities, landscaping, fencing, and signage.

Webster County Human Services Building - Eupora, MS: New construction.

Bay St. Louis Athletic Park - Bay St. Louis, MS: Preliminary studies for grant assistance, including landscaping, fencing, signage, and bathroom additions.

Tombigbee Regional Health District - North Central, MS: Various renovations, up-lift health departments in the multi-county region.

Batesville Downtown Plan - Batesville, MS: Master planning, organization, signage, and parking plan.

Louisville Coliseum Addition - Louisville, MS: New construction.

Low Side Apartments and Commercial - Eupora, MS: Conversion and reconstruction of downtown storefront into commercial and residential spaces.

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT / SMALL TOWN PLANNING / SITE DEVELOPMENT

Design Guidelines in Small Towns and Rural Places - American Planning Association educational presentation.

Walthall Market – Walthall, MS: Planning and design for open air pavilion, bathrooms, storm shelter and retail shacks for local vendors.

Walthall Memorial Cemetery - Walthall, MS: Site analysis, master planning, and assistance with development and construction of new cemetery.

Browning Creek Design Guidelines – Oktibbeha County, MS: Consulting to provide neighborhood design guidelines.

Design Alabama - Fayette, AL: Assistance with design educational program.

Mississippi Main Street Charrettes - Participants in town planning charrettes for Carthage, Houston, Holly Springs, Water Valley, Noxapater, Eupora, Gulfport, Ripley, and Newton, Mississippi.

RESIDENTIAL Berry House Additions – Columbus, MS: porch additions, parking and outbuilding development.

Houston Main Street Charrette - Houston, MS: Town planning charrette, report, and graphic design.

Senf Home - Tishomingo County, MS: New construction of traditional southern home on large picturesque property.

Watkins Ward and Stafford Facade Renovation - Calhoun City, MS: Facade renovation of former retail structure on Calhoun City Square.

Ball Plantation - Aliceville, AL: Full restoration of 1920s brick plantation house, modification of existing additions, and development of new addition, parking structure, and grounds development for private residence.

Aberdeen Park Development - Aberdeen, MS: Preliminary design of a community park adjacent to downtown Aberdeen and the recently renovated historic depot. Lauderdale County Existing Facilities Report and Master Planning - Analysis and recommendations of all county buildings in downtown Meridian, Mississippi.

Riverside Plantation House Restoration and Addition*# - Enterprise, MS: Existing facilities review and design assistance for front porch reconstruction and rear addition. Imes Residence - Columbus, MS: Various renovations to historic residence.

Design Alabama - Jacksonville, AL: Mayor’s Institute 2015 - Assistance with design, assistance with program.

Bagwell Farmhouse - Ackerman, MS: New construction of farmhouse in rural Choctaw County (unbuilt).

Eupora Art Park - Eupora, MS: Clean up and redevelopment of a burned-out building lot on Eupora’s Main Street and development of a green art park for public events, outdoor movies, and concerts.

Swearengen Residence - Grenada, MS: New residence inspired by the Blair Mansion in Tulsa, OK and Beauvoir.

Grenada Downtown Projects - Grenada, MS: Existing facilities study, preliminary planning, and phased restoration of six historic downtown buildings and adjacent public areas.

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Bryn Bella Renovations and Stables - Columbus, MS: Kitchen addition, miscellaneous restoration, and planning for screened porch, stables, and pool house. Seltzer House ADA Modifications - Meridian, MS: Modifications to historic house to accommodate ADA accessibility.

Elliott Residence - Palo Alto, MS: Custom house design in rural Clay County. Van Stewart Residence - Kilmichael, MS: Restoration and renovation of historic farm house. Nabor’s Residence - Houston, MS: Renovations and upgrades for a ranch house.

Okolona Hope IV Housing Rehabilitation - Okolona, MS: Rehabilitation of historic downtown building to provide housing, preliminary planning and design only). Busby Residence - Choctaw County, MS: New traditionally-designed single family house (unbuilt).

Richards Residence - Winona, MS: Analysis of historic house for possible renovation, design of addition and renovations to existing ranch house (unbuilt).

Colvin Residence - Webster County, MS: Renovation and addition to existing home.

Webb Home - Pelahatchie, MS: Preliminary renovation design for existing home.

Springhill Schoolhouse Rehabilitation - Webster County, MS: Rehabilitation of 13,500 sf school into apartments and multipurpose auditorium.

Harmony Church Rehabilitation - Alva, MS: Rehabilitation of former country church as a lake cottage.

Gore’s Green Acre - Walthall, MS: Renovation of historic cottage.

Tillman Residence - Mantee, MS: Design assistance with interior details and materials.

The Cottages of Starkville Station - Starkville, MS: Design of three prototype houses and addition options for a 23 house development adjacent to MSU campus (unbuilt).

Dendis Residence - Madison County, MS: Design assistance, rehabilitation of relocated historic house, additions, and site development.

Grenada Upper Floor Downtown Housing - Grenada, MS: Development of upper floor housing in four downtown buildings on Grenada’s historic square.

White Residence - West, MS: Rehabilitation, addition, and site development to 19th century residence (unbuilt).

Sugg House Kitchen Renovations - West Point, MS: Planning for renovation of kitchen and adjacent areas.

Dobbs Residence - Calhoun City, MS: Kitchen and dining room addition and modification design.

Harding Farmhouse - Clinton, MS: Design

Wilson Residence - Winona, MS: Rehabilitation and addition to early 20th century residence (unbuilt).

Oak Hill Rehabilitation and Additions - Lexington, MS: Former governor’s residence, front porch restoration, removal of inappropriate addition, partial interior rehabilitation, and appropriate additions. Langsdale Plantation Restoration - Wayne County, MS: Existing facilities study and preliminary design for restoration of antebellum plantation, outbuildings, and approximately 50 acres for residential and educational use. Long Moss House Addition - Canton, MS: Addition to restored antebellum planters cottage. Holmes Home Place - Winona, MS: Analysis of existing residence and design of upgrades and addition. Turner Hotel Rehabilitation - Fayette, AL: Existing facilities report and feasibility study to restore former hotel area into B&B-type hotel and/or apartments (unbuilt). Dunlap-Starnes Property - Mathiston, MS: Design options for improvements and additions. Cameron Plantation Restoration - Madison County, MS: Restoration of antebellum and Victorian complex of buildings for single family residence. Beckett Residence - Bruce, MS: Kitchen and dining renovations.

Miss Del’s Studio - Clarksdale, MS: Rehabilitation of upper level of historic downtown commercial building into residential space. Ross Residence - Eupora, MS: New construction (unbuilt). Lochinvar - Pontotoc, MS: Evaluation and recommended reconstruction of significant antebellum house following severe tornado damage. Johnson Residence and Guest House - Weir, MS: Development or rural site with new construction of main house, guest house, garage, outbuilding, and site development (guest house built, remainder unbuilt). Oak Grove Restoration and Addition* - Church Hill, MS: Restoration of antebellum home, significant addition, and site development (plans completed but unbuilt). Burns Residence - Kilmichael, MS: Planning studies of new construction primarily using owner’s salvaged materials (unbuilt). Osborn / Meek Residence - Eupora, MS: Phased additions and renovations to existing structure. Hall Residence - Eupora, MS: Kitchen and basement renovations to historic residence. Riley Retreat - Spring Hill, MS: New construction of vacation home in rural Webster County.

Booth-Kotz House Restoration - Mathiston, MS: Restoration of 19th century historic Queen Anne house. Billy B. High Street Exterior Restoration - Aberdeen, MS: Porch addition and exterior renovations to return historic character. For HGTV program “Hometown Renovation.” Edwards Residence - Water Valley, MS: New construction on historic farmland. Warner Vacation Home - Bay St. Louis, MS: Restoration and renovation of historic barge board house. Blue Bell Lofts - Tupelo, MS: Condominium development in former textile mill (unbuilt). Blue Bungalow Properties - Oxford, MS: Condominium development in downtown, new construction, preliminary design only (unbuilt). 189

PROJECT CREDITS AMZIE MOORE HOUSE MUSEUM Cleveland, Mississippi

CARROLL HOUSE Walthall, Mississippi Architectural Team: Belinda Stewart General Contractor: Dewayne Orr Consultants: W. Mark Watson, PE, LLC Photographer: Eric Schoondergang CENTER STAGE THEATER West Point, Mississippi Architectural Team: Belinda Stewart

Architectural Team: Belinda Stewart & Holly Hawkins

General Contractor: Burks-Mordecai Buildings, Inc

General Contractor: Blockett Construction Inspection Group, LLC

Consultants: Watkins & O’Gwynn Consulting Electrical Engineers, PA Jenkins Engineering, Inc Building Design Services, Inc

Consultants: The Power Source, PLLC Scott C. Woods & Associates, PA Photographer: Langdon Clay BAY ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY HALL Bay St. Louis, Mississippi Architectural Team: Belinda Stewart & Stephanie Stewart General Contractor: Kenneth R. Thompson, Jr., Builders, Inc Consultants: James J. Chiniche Sparks Engineering, Inc Scott C. Woods & Associates, PA The Power Source, PLLC The Landscape Studio Photographer: Ken Murphy BOLIVAR COUNTY COURTHOUSE Rosedale, Mississippi Architectural Team: Belinda Stewart & Holly Hawkins General Contractor: Roy Collins Construction Company, Inc Consultants: Jenkins Engineering, Inc Scott C. Woods & Associates, PA The Power Source, PLLC Eley Engineering, PA Photographer: Will Jacks

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Photographer: Jack Kotz CLAIBORNE COUNTY “MATT ROSS” ADMIN BUILDING Port Gibson, Mississippi Architectural Team: Belinda Stewart, Robert Ivy, Jennifer Watson, & Bob McWhirter General Contractor: Mid State Construction Company Consultants: Spencer Engineering, Inc Windsor Engineering Engineering Resource Group, Inc Design Consultants Group, LLC Photographer: Alan Karchmer COLLINS DEPOT Collins, Mississippi Architectural Team: Belinda Stewart & Craig Bjorgum General Contractor: Parker Contracting Services Consultants: Pickering Environmental Scott C. Woods & Associates, PA Jenkins Engineering, Inc The Power Source, PLLC Photographer: Ken Murphy

COTESWORTH HOUSE & LIBRARY Carrollton, Mississippi

LLOYD RICKS WATSON BUILDING Mississippi State University

Architectural Team: Belinda Stewart & Stephanie Stewart

Architectural Team: Belinda Stewart, Stephanie Stewart, & Craig Bjorgum

General Contractor: Kenneth R. Thompson, Jr., Builders, Inc

General Contractor: West Brothers Construction, Inc

Consultants: The Power Source, PLLC Genene S. Johnson, PE

Consultants: Jenkins Engineering, Inc Eldridge and Associates Watkins & O’Gwynn Consulting Electrical Engineers, PA Magnolia Green

Photographer: Langdon Clay DELTA BLUES MUSEUM MUDDY WATERS ADDITION Clarksdale, Mississippi Architectural Team: Belinda Stewart & Maggie Bjorgum General Contractor: D. Carroll Construction, LLC Consultants: The Power Source, PLLC Scott C. Woods & Associates, PA McQueen Structural Engineering Photographer: Ken Murphy HISTORIC YMCA BUILDING Mississippi State University Architectural Team: Belinda Stewart & Holly Hawkins General Contractor: Gregory Construction Services, Inc Consultants: The Power Source, PLLC Engineering Resource Group, Inc Pickering Firm, Inc Roland, Woolworth & Associates W. Mark Watson, PE, LLC Debra Daws Landscaping & Blair Parker Design, LLC Photographer: Langdon Clay IDA B WELLS GALLERY Holly Springs, Mississippi Architectural Team: Belinda Stewart & Stephanie Stewart General Contractor: CIG Contractors Inc Consultants: Jenkins Engineering, Inc Photographer: Belinda Stewart Architects, PA

Photographer: Ken Murphy MANTEE DEPOT Mantee, Mississippi Architectural Team: Belinda Stewart & Maggie Bjorgum General Contractor: Harrington House Movers (Relocation) Byrum Construction, Inc (Restoration) Consultants: W. Mark Watson, PE, LLC The Power Source, PLLC Genene S. Johnson, PE Photographer: Langdon Clay MONROE COUNTY COURTHOUSE Aberdeen, Mississippi Architectural Team: Belinda Stewart & Holly Hawkins General Contractor: Tombigbee Contractors, Inc Consultants: Jenkins Engineering, Inc HESM&A, Inc Oxford Acoustics, Inc Photographer: Kevin Hudson NATCHEZ TRACE VISITOR’S CENTER Clinton, Mississippi Architectural Team: Belinda Stewart & John Beard General Contractor: Barnard & Sons Construction, LLC Consultants: Williford, Gearhart & Knight Chris Hoffman Photographer: Jack Kotz and Kevin Hudson 191

OLD MAIN ACADEMIC CENTER Mississippi State University

SPRINGHILL SCHOOLHOUSE Springhill, Mississippi

Architectural Team: Belinda Stewart & Stephanie Stewart

Architectural Team: Belinda Stewart

General Contractor: Evan Johnson and Sons Construction

General Contractor: Ballard Construction Dewayne Orr

Consultants: The Power Source, PLLC Engineering Resource Group, Inc Pickering Firm, Inc Roland, Woolworth & Associates Timothy Haahs & Associates, Inc Debra Daws Landscaping Photographer: Langdon Clay OXFORD DEPOT University of Mississippi Architectural Team: Belinda Stewart & Stephanie Stewart General Contractor: Dillon Construction Consultants: Jenkins Engineering, Inc Thomasson, Farnham & Smith, LLC Elliot & Britt Engineering, PA Photographer: Jack Kotz PONTOTOC CHANCERY BUILDINGS Walthall, Mississippi Architectural Team: Belinda Stewart & John Beard General Contractor: Hooker Construction Company, Inc Consultants: Jenkins Engineering, Inc Scott C. Woods & Associates, PA Andy Covington Engineering

Photographer: Jack Kotz SUNDBECK RESIDENCE West Point, Mississippi Architectural Team: Belinda Stewart, Holly Hawkins, & Sam Krusee General Contractor: Harrell General Contractors, Inc Consultants: W. Mark Watson, PE, LLC Brent Engineering Services, Inc Photographer: Langdon Clay TALLAHATCHIE COUNTY COURTHOUSE Sumner, Mississippi Architectural Team: Belinda Stewart & Holly Hawkins General Contractor(s): Kenneth R. Thompson, Jr., Builders, Inc Historic Renovations of Yazoo, Inc Consultants: W. Mark Watson, PE, LLC The Power Source, PLLC Scott C. Woods & Associates, PA Roland, Woolworth & Associates, LLC Dr. Michael Fazio Photographer: Langdon Clay

Photographer: Jack Kotz

WALTHALL JAIL Walthall, Mississippi

PONTOTOC COUNTY COURTHOUSE Pontotoc, Mississippi

Architectural Team: Belinda Stewart & Holly Hawkins

Architectural Team: Belinda Stewart & John Beard

Consultants: Jenkins Engineering, Inc

General Contractor: Hooker Construction Company, Inc Consultants: Jenkins Engineering, Inc Scott C. Woods & Associates, PA The Power Source, PLLC Photographer: Jack Kotz 192

General Contractor: Ballard Construction

Photographer: Kevin Hudson

Posters made by Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr., an American printer, book artist, and papermaker.

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THANK YOU! We are grateful for our clients, our friends and supporters, our opportunities and for the many talented people who have worked with BSA over the years to help carry out this meaningful work. We look forward to many more years of helping bring dreams to reality. We would love to hear from you. Let us know if you have any questions about any of these projects, or if we can help you with your dreams and your buildings. CONTACT US: Belinda Stewart Architects, PA 61 North Dunn Street Eupora, MS 39744 662-258-6405 bsa@belindastewartarchitects.com www.belindastewartarchitects.com

2020 | Celebrating 30 years of service from Eupora, Mississippi

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