Capital Improvement
Scoates Hall is currently undergoing a $10.6 M Capital Renewal project to replace outdated heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, upgrade electrical and plumbing services, incorporate ADA features, replace the roof, and address life safety requirements including sprinklers throughout the building. The project began in the summer of 2013 and will be completed in January 2015. Although much of the work will not be noticeable to the casual user, they will appreciate the new elevators, updated restrooms, updated flooring, improved lighting, fresh paint, and improved temperature control.
Eleveators have been installed on both wings of Scoates Hall.
Lab spaces have been renovated to better accommodate the growing needs of the department.
Restoration
In a project distinct from, but coordinated with the Capital Improvement project, the department is leading efforts to recover and restore the unique and detailed design features that graced the Agricultural Engineering Building (now Daniels Scoates Hall) when it was designed in the early 1930s. The documents linked below provide information about that original appearance and what we are hoping to accomplish. This effort is partially funded by Texas A&M University, but most of the funding needed to restore the distinctive features must be raised as gifts.
- Scoates Hall – Historic Interior Painted Finishes Study
- Restoration of Scoates Hall – Description & Cost Estimates
The Scoates Hall lecture room chandelier and ceiling tiles have been restored to their original condition. The photo on the left is from 1933 and on the right is a current view of the ceiling.
Dr. Ron Lacey surveys the lecture hall renovation from above.
Replacement stenciled tiles will be used to restore the ceiling to its original state.
A detailed close-up of the mural in Scoates Hall 208.
Close-up detail of the farm implement chandelier hanging in Scoates Hall 208 before restoration.