Ayres Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Ayres Hall
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 Location in Tennessee
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| Location | 1403 Circle Dr. University of Tennessee Knoxville, Tennessee |
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| Built | 1921 |
| NRHP reference No. | 12000466 |
| Added to NRHP | August 1, 2012 |
Ayres Hall is a really important and famous building at the University of Tennessee (UT) in Knoxville, Tennessee. It's a true landmark on the campus! This historic building is known for its unique look and tall tower.
Contents
Ayres Hall: A Campus Landmark
Ayres Hall stands out as a central and iconic building at the University of Tennessee. It's a place where students learn and where important university offices are located. The building has a rich history and a very distinctive design that makes it easy to spot.
History and Design
This amazing building was finished in 1921. It was designed by a team of architects from Chicago. The hall is named after Brown Ayres, who was the university's 12th president from 1904 to 1909. He helped lead the university for many years.
Cool Features and Renovations
Ayres Hall got a big makeover between 2008 and 2011. During this time, many new things were added to make the building better.
Modern Upgrades
The renovations brought in central air conditioning and heating. This makes the building much more comfortable for everyone inside.
Special Touches
The building also got beautiful terrazzo floors and benches. These floors have a cool, speckled look. The tower's four clocks finally got their faces installed. These clock faces and the terrazzo floors were part of the original plans, but they weren't added at first because of the cost.
Classroom Improvements
Classrooms were updated with new chairs, tables, and slate chalkboards. Even the stairways were refurbished. A new north courtyard was also added, which wasn't in the first designs.
Unique Look
Ayres Hall is built in the Gothic Revival style. This means it looks a bit like old European castles or cathedrals. The building stands about 140 feet tall from its base.
Checkerboard Pattern
One of the most famous parts of Ayres Hall is the distinctive checkerboard pattern at the top of its tower. This pattern is made of orange and white squares. You can see this same pattern in other places around the university. It's used in the endzones at Neyland Stadium and at the ends of the court in Thompson–Boling Arena. These are both nearby sports venues.
What's Inside?
Today, Ayres Hall is home to important parts of the university. It houses the offices for the College of Arts and Sciences. It's also where the university's mathematics department is located.
