Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas Awards WER Architect “Excellence In Preservation Through Rehabilitation”

Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas (HPAA) awarded WER Architects “Excellence in Preservation through Rehabilitation” for eSTEM High Public Charter School. Designed in the Neo Classical style and built in 1924, the Federal Reserve Bank Building in Little Rock, Arkansas was repurposed to provide a full functioning charter High School for 500 students in grades nine through twelve.

The 21 classrooms include a chemistry lab, physics lab, art room, media center (library), cafeteria and offices. Each classroom is equipped with computer workstations, wireless network, audiovisual systems complete with a 3D projector, screen, and audio system. Careful attention was given to restoring the plaster ornamentation and marble floors and column wainscoting in the original bank lobby. WER Architects creatively wove modern materials and technology into the historic architecture of the building.