Completion Date: 8/2014
Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
Architect: Cromwell Architects|Engineers

In 1963, two massive 10-story dormitories – Yocum Hall and Humphreys Hall – were built atop McIlroy Hill and have stood tall above campus since.  Over the years, the residence halls have been home to thousands of Razorback men and women.Almost 50 years later, the iconic structures were in need of renovation.  In 2010, the funds were allocated to begin updating and modernizing both Halls.  In 2011, East-Harding was selected as construction manager to renovate Yocum Hall and to construct a new utility tunnel to provide new steam water piping to Humphreys Hall.

Due to the University’s growth in enrollment, Yocum Hall could not be vacated, even partially, during the traditional school year.  So, East-Harding was challenged to renovate Yocum Hall during the summer months only and over a period of up to five years.

Phase I, involving both residence halls, was completed on schedule and within budget during Summer 2012. Phase I Yocum Hall was the $2.8 million installation of new make-up fresh air units and upgrades to the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) infrastructure for the 527 bed residence hall.  The project included electrical upgrades, new fire sprinkler pump, new vertical “standpipe” risers in stairwells.  Phase I readied the Hall for Phase II for Summer 2013. Phase II involved primarily the renovation of restrooms on certain floors, and the installation of an emergency generator for the building. Phase III is the completion of the renovation, updating the remaining restrooms in the dorm.

The end result of the multiple phase, multiple year project will be a completely renovated building with a new heating and air conditioning system, a new fresh air system, new electrical, new data/IT, new windows, new restrooms and finishes, new finishes for the residence rooms, and new public space finishes.