New KU scholarship hall will mirror charm of its neighborhood, officials say

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LAWRENCE--University of Kansas officials today unveiled a color rendering of the new Rieger Scholarship Hall for women, to be built in the 1300 block of Ohio Street by summer of 2005.

The $3 million limestone-and-brick building, designed by Treanor Architects, suggests a Queen Anne, turn-of-the-century architectural style. Detailing on the 17,500-square-foot, three-story facility and its spacious front porch harmonize with the character of nearby residences.

"We are absolutely thrilled with this beautiful, historical design," said Ken Stoner, director of the KU Department of Student Housing and chair of the hall building committee. "It is the product of a partnership between a fine architectural firm and conscientious representatives of the Oread Neighborhood, the City of Lawrence, and the KU community."

In addition to the customary building committee, KU had established a community advisory committee to assist with the architectural planning phase for this hall and a future second hall, to be built immediately north of Rieger Hall. The community committee included representatives of the Lawrence Historic Resource Commission, the Lawrence Preservation Alliance, the Oread Neighborhood Association and the Campus Historic Preservation Board.

The two committees began with a "blank slate" in January, working with Treanor Architects, an award-winning firm known for its historical sensitivity. To aid discussion, the firm constructed a detailed model of the neighborhood to illustrate the architectural charm and fabric of the area. The committees finalized Treanor's design at their last joint meeting May 1.

"The architects did a wonderful job," said Candice Davis, Oread Neighborhood member on the community advisory committee. "The brick and limestone in the design add a richness and dignity that was common among larger homes here 100 years ago. "

The hall is named for the late Dennis Rieger, who received a bachelor's degree in political science from KU in 1972 and a master's degree in business administration in 1974.

Roger Rieger and his wife, Annette, both KU alumni, pledged $3 million to the Kansas University Endowment Association for the hall in honor of Dennis, who is Roger's brother.

Composed of two wings, Rieger Hall will house 50 women in suites for four to eight people and will feature living space that includes a courtyard, dining area, living room, kitchen and recreational room.

The building design will go before the Campus Historic Preservation Board June 6 and to the Lawrence Historic Resources Commission June 19. Bidding for the project and groundbreaking should take place in spring 2004, with construction completed in summer 2005 and the hall ready to open fall semester 2005.