UARM WALDRON ROCK BUILDINGS

The C.E. Forrester Building (Home Economics) and Vocational Agriculture Building, constructed by the WPA in the late 1930s, were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2019. After decades serving Waldron High School, the buildings were transferred to the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain but sat vacant and deteriorating for years. By 2020, both structures were on the brink of collapse—the Home Economics building had a sagging primary beam and rotted flooring, while significant roof damage left the Vo Ag building exposed to the elements.

The restoration unfolded in two phases. Phase one focused on structural stabilization: shoring the buildings, installing new architectural shingle roofs, restoring original double-hung windows and exterior doors, and repointing the stone masonry. Phase two brought modern systems and ADA accessibility while converting the Home Economics building into a classroom/community center and the Vo Ag building into a welding and machine tool shop with computer lab.

Careful attention to historic character defined the restoration. The Home Economics building features its restored original fireplace as a lobby centerpiece, flanked by salvaged schoolhouse light fixtures and traditional wainscoting, with new hardwood floors and flexible acoustic partitions. In the Vo Ag building, original beadboard ceilings and interior stone walls remain exposed, while new 3-phase electrical service supports modern welding stations and shop equipment. ANCRC grant funding transformed these near-lost structures back into vibrant educational spaces serving the Waldron community.