To address the modern needs of students, alumni, and staff while honoring the legacy of the original 1902 Edwards Building and Berea College’s historic campus, Luckett & Farley created a design that thoughtfully balances tradition and innovation. This new building serves as a gateway to the campus, bridging the past and future, celebrating the college’s enduring identity while providing spaces that support contemporary needs.
The building replaces the original Edwards Building, constructed by students in 1902 using bricks made on campus. The original structure was demolished in 2023 due to structural issues and the prohibitive cost of renovation. The new building exemplifies Berea College's commitment to fostering student success and community engagement while completing the urban “street wall” of the town’s commercial heart and transitioning seamlessly into the open green spaces of the campus.
The design prioritizes collaboration and engagement, with the first floor dedicated to student-focused spaces. These flexible and modern learning and gathering areas emphasize problem-solving, workplace readiness, and internship preparation, empowering students to thrive. The second and third floors house the Alumni, Communications, and Philanthropy division, providing welcoming and functional spaces to support alumni engagement and strengthen connections within the broader Berea College community. Vertical openings and open staircases further enhance collaboration between floors, fostering interaction throughout the building.
The design pays homage to the historical significance of the original Edwards Building. Inside, the first-floor atrium features the original cornerstone alongside bricks salvaged from the old structure. On the exterior, custom bricks were matched to replicate the appearance of the original building’s brickwork, while architectural details reflect key elements of the 1902 design. Leveraging experience from past projects with the university, Luckett & Farley collaborated to identify the local brickmaker and aggregate mix to ensure the new building aligns seamlessly with its historic context. This meticulous attention to detail ensures the building’s exterior aligns seamlessly with the character of the historic campus, creating a modern space that honors tradition and serves the needs of Berea College’s community.