University of Texas at Austin Arno Nowotny Building
Austin, Texas
The Arno Nowotny Building, constructed in 1857, is one of the earliest buildings on the University of Texas at Austin campus. The site is known as “Little Campus”, which includes the Arno Nowotny Building and Hargis Hall, which were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The two-story limestone and brick masonry building was designed and built in the Italianate Style by architect Abner H. Cook, who is well known for several other historic buildings, including the Governor’s Mansion and the Neil-Cochran House. The building was significantly modified and served several purposes during its existence, from the Texas Asylum for the Blind to a men’s dormitory and military barracks during WWI. In 1984 the building was restored to its original 1857 appearance following a major campaign to save the building from demolition.
Architexas was hired by the University of Texas to prepare a conditions assessment report on the exterior of the building and to subsequently provide full architectural services to restore the exterior. The scope of work generally included the following: limited site work to meet TAS, ADA, and Building Code requirements; Full masonry restoration; Door and window restoration/reconstruction; Reconstruction of miscellaneous elements to match original construction; Replacement of sheet metal roofing, including sheet metal gutters and downspouts throughout. The project was reviewed by the Texas Historical Commission through the State Antiquities permit process.
