University of Kentucky Pence Hall

A modernized home base for the College of Communication and Information, fostering collaboration, innovation, and academic excellence within the college.

Originally built in 1909 for the Physics Department, Pence Hall has served UK as a core central campus building for over 100 years, providing the home to the College of Architecture since 1965. In the Spring of 2024, the College of Design relocated to their new home on the west edge of campus, allowing for Pence Hall to be renovated and become an updated home base for the College of Communication and Information, which has been housed across multiple buildings.

Updating this historic building has allowed for the creation of an addition that includes a new ADA accessible entry, updated restroom cores, improved egress, and a new elevator, along what has traditionally viewed as the back of the building. The design of these necessities has allowed for a reinvigorated identity for the College, with a modern welcoming face, consisting of an all-glass stair tower and entry, along with an open-air 1st floor balcony, countering the historical traditional front entry, and enhancing the campus circulation flow at this busy intersection of foot traffic.

The renovated interior includes administrative offices and classrooms, expanding and enhancing the College’s program offerings, including more space for students to interact together. The historic interior stairwell is being maintained, along with much of the original wood floors. All the MEP systems are being upgraded and replaced, along with exterior maintenance to the brick and all new historically accurate insulated windows.