By Dana Prifti, Media Relations Writing Intern

Thompson Hall, the centerpiece and graphic identity of the University of New Hampshire, was constructed in 1892 as the first building on the Durham campus. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1996. Yet, despite its rich, 113-year history as one of the most recognizable and elegant academic buildings in New England, it has not had a major exterior restorative effort since it was built.

From now through December, “T-Hall” as it’s known on campus, will be undergoing a complete exterior envelope overhaul. Brenda Whitmore, Facilities Construction Project Manager II and UNH alum ’81 is thrilled to be part of such a historic project. “It is an honor to restore this building,” she said. “It was a magnificent structure and will be again.”

According to Whitmore, UNH has been saving funds and planning the $5 million refurbishment since 1998. The funds used for the revitalization of T-Hall are independent from the operating costs of the university.

Although T-Hall is still very solid, “it definitely needed attention,” Whitmore said. Rejuvenation is more the word. The clock in the T-Hall tower and the chime system, which is controlled from the Alumni Center, will be restored. The clock faces and inner mechanisms will be rebuilt and the new clock will be illuminated from within by a new more energy-conscious source.

The 40 to 80 pound weathervane which is perched atop the clock tower and hasn’t been touched since it was installed will also be taken down and restored.

Three thousand new bricks to replace the weathered turret bricks are being handmade in North Carolina. The slate work that exists now is Munson slate, some of the highest quality slate made. It will be replaced with slate from the same vein from a Canadian quarry. The slate that is removed will be salvaged and used to repair other buildings. The project team utilized scientific methods and procedures to analyze and match the existing slate, masonry, copper and paint elements.

The original windows will be replaced as well, Whitmore said. Wood frame windows that have frames made of mahogany from a sustainable forest will be better able to resist deterioration from weather or water and are more energy efficient. “They really provide the best lifecycle value; they’ll last another 113 years,” Whitmore said.

The new restorations will speak more toward the original design by Dow and Randlet. “We are using the drawings and specifications as a historical basis for the current work from the original design,” Whitmore said. “To present it to the community as it was 113 years ago is really awesome,” Whitmore said.

Whitmore also noted that the project team is second to none. The architecture firm of Goody Clancy Architecture, Planning & Presentation, which restored H. H. Richardson’s Trinity Church in the City of Boston, and Shawmut Design & Construction have been putting their “ability and expertise” into the restoration of UNH’s graphic identity. “The project team has been outstanding,” Whitmore said.

When the restoration project is completed in December, Whitmore believes that it will look as good as new. “I mean this building is going to sparkle,” she said. “T-Hall will be representing the university for generations to come.”

For more information on the project, go to http://unh.shawmut.com/.