Join us for a special opportunity to view Irma I. Smith Hall, home of the Department of Religious Studies, a Modern Movement treasure at the University of Kansas that was built in 1967. KU announced plans to vacate the building and its future is unknown.
All are welcome.
The University of Kansas administration will seek permission from the Kansas Board of Regents to demolish the building during the summer or fall of 2023 after only 55 years of service. KU has no stated plans for the site. They plan on relocating faculty and staff to another location.
Lawrence Preservation Alliance, Lawrence Modern and Historic Mount Oread Friends are leading this initiative to save Smith Hall. We welcome others who share our passion, vision and hope.
We seek to share its history and relevance as a significant, intact example of midcentury modern architecture. Our hope is to raise awareness with the administration at KU, Kansas Board of Regents and the Lawrence community so alternatives can be discussed and implemented instead of demolition. We believe Smith Hall could be eligible for the Lawrence, State and National Historic Registers. Investing funds to address the deferred maintenance that has occurred during KU’s ownership and repurposing is an appropriate course of action.
Lawrence Preservation Alliance submitted a preliminary application to the Kansas State Historic Preservation Officer concerning the status of Irma I. Smith Hall and were informed the building is potentially eligible to be listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places.
In addition, an application for Smith Hall was submitted to the the National Trust For Historic Preservation Program, "America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places."
We are excited to have family members of Ms. Irma Smith speak at the open house.
Kim Tefft, Elden Tefft's son, will also speak.
Also included below are links about Smith Hall and a fantastic video about the making of Moses produced in 1986.
Lawrence Modern article published in the Lawrence Times
Lawrence Modern: This version features old photos that add visual depth to the story
Photo courtesy: top row—Kenneth Spencer Research Library; bottom row—Tom Harper