Lloyd-Ricks-Watson Renovation

The Lloyd-Ricks building was originally constructed to house agricultural programs.  The building’s interior spaces and finishes were intended to be hard-wearing and utilitarian.  During the building’s life, multiple small renovation projects included dropping ceilings, installation of heating & Air systems, wall furring and replacement of original doors and finishes.  This project objective was to restore the prominent Mississippi Landmark for classroom space and offices for the School of Human Sciences and the Department of Agriculture Economics.  The project began with careful and in-depth research to understand the building’s hidden story, details, materials and construction. From the 1928 limestone window sills to the 1938 cast stone sills, no building element was assumed.  The connection between the two buildings did not extend to all 4 floors, making the building confusing to navigate and difficult to fully utilize.  A new connection was constructed meeting code and in accordance with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. The exterior was fully restored with brick tuckpointing, window restoration, roofing, parapet flashing, downspout restoration and damp-proofing.  A custom mechanical system was designed with energy supply similar to the original radiators and including fresh air provisions. The electrical and communications systems were creatively incorporated into a thickened baseboard.  The original terrazzo hall floors were restored as well as the wood trim, wood doors and plaster walls. This renovation project brought the interior and exterior spaces back to their original sense of space, quality and detail.