One of the university’s most beloved landmarks is being considered for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.
Old Main, formerly known as Main Hall, is 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 National Parks Service in Washington, D.C. will select which properties will receive the designation.
Old Main was built in 1919 as the administration building for Arkansas’s first Normal School. It currently houses classrooms, an advising center, offices, University College, and Ida Waldran Auditorium.
“Old Main has been a cherished landmark at UCA since 1919,” said UCA President Allen Meadors. “Being among the historic buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places would be the most appropriate designation.”
The University of Central Arkansas Board of Trustees approved a resolution in August to nominate Old Main to the National Historic Register and to create an historic district on campus.
The Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resource Council recommended that UCA apply for the designation. The university received a $64,500 planning grant from the council earlier this year to help pay for an extensive inspection and survey of the current state of Old Main. The survey will help direct restoration and renovation plans and suggest future use of the building, according to Shelley Mehl, vice president of institutional advancement.
“This is an honorary designation that shows UCA’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its rich history,” Mehl said.
Being added to the National Historic Register would provide opportunities for preservation grants, federal investment tax credits, possible state tax benefit and grant opportunities as well as networking with other historic property owners, Mehl added.
Jimmy Bryant, director of UCA Archives, said Old Main is much more than just UCA’s oldest building.
“It is literally the heart of the campus and for more than 90 years has played a vital role in the growth and development of UCA and its students,” he explained.
Bryant noted that four of UCA’s nine presidents have had an office in Old Main. The auditorium in Old Main, Ida Waldran, has been the venue for countless programs that were important to students, faculty and Arkansans from all walks of life. Governors, former presidents and local and state politicians have given speeches in Ida Waldran. After Japan conducted a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, a “war assembly” was held the next day in Ida Waldran. Additionally, the funeral for beloved UCA Coach Guy Dan Estes was held in Ida Waldran.
“Both Old Main and Ida Waldran have served the UCA community and the State of Arkansas well,” he added. “If there is any building in the City of Conway that is worthy of being placed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is Old Main.”
