Old Main has joined the prestigious list of landmarks in the state. The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program announced Feb.11 that Old Main, formerly Main Hall, has been named to the National Register of Historic Places.
Old Main was among the 11 properties in the state under consideration for the designation. The National Historic Register recognizes properties based on its history, architectural, or archaeological significance. The designation is made by the National Parks Service in Washington, D.C.
Old Main was built in 1919 as the administration building for Arkansas’s first Normal School. It was designed by architect John Parks Almand and built by George Donaghey who had served as governor of Arkansas from 1909 to 1913. It currently houses classrooms, an advising center, offices, University College, and Ida Waldran Auditorium.
The designation will provide opportunities for preservation grants, federal investment tax credits, possible state tax benefit and grant opportunities.