Tolliver Hall, LA Tech University

Joint Venture with Ashe Broussard Weinzettle Architects

Expansion and renovation of vintage cafeteria repurposed into a new student center

Beginning in the 1990s Louisiana Tech University initiated a major campus re- development to enhance student life; Tolliver Hall is the feature component of the new campus development. In collaboration with the university, the Tipton Associates / ABW Joint Venture team renovated this previously vacant vintage 1930s cafeteria. Conceived as the center of student life on campus, the program incorporated student organization offices, retail, food service, campus information services, performance and meeting spaces in a marketplace environment. The design solution included a flexible steel armature inside of the existing building to support changing market concepts over time. The Ropp Center, also renovated by Tipton Associates / ABW Joint Venture Team, serves as a companion facility to Tolliver supporting faculty life on campus.

In 2021, the university and its dining provider engaged Tipton Associates for an update to Tolliver, with new venues including a Starbucks and unique signage reflecting the university’s tenets and traditions. Take a look inside to see the latest.

Recognition 2004 AIA Baton Rouge Rose Design Award Recipient

LocationRuston, LA

Area30,000 sf

Construction Cost$3.1 million

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