Built in 1951, Ford Hall is a three-story music building that has long stood as a cornerstone of the university’s creative identity. Over time, the once-grand space had grown tired and outdated, struggling to meet the needs of modern performance, instruction, and collaboration. The university partnered with Color Works to breathe new life into this historic hall—honoring its architectural legacy while reimagining it as a fine arts hub for the next generation.

Set in Shawnee, Oklahoma, the university’s campus reflects a blend of tradition and growth. Ford Hall’s beautiful bones—original woodwork, stained glass, and classical proportions—were still admired, but its aging finishes and limited functionality were holding the arts program back. This renovation became an opportunity to preserve an architectural gem while elevating its performance, accessibility, and everyday usability.

The university’s goal was to modernize the three-story building without erasing its story. The team needed to enhance acoustic performance across multiple floors and rehearsal types, improve student flow and usability, and create meaningful gathering spaces—all while maintaining sightlines to the original stained glass and protecting historic woodwork. The challenge lay in updating nearly every surface and system without compromising the integrity of the structure or its character.

Color Works collaborated closely with the architect, engineers, and acousticians to ensure that the renovation balanced form and function at every level. Acoustic mitigation shaped much of the design approach, guiding the integration of sound-dampening materials, wall panels, and ceiling treatments across all three floors. The goal was clear: deliver performance-quality sound environments that could flex seamlessly between choir rehearsals, ensemble practices, and individual lessons.

The existing woodwork was carefully preserved, serving as a warm counterpoint to the new lighter, brighter finishes that visually opened the space. Subtle green tones introduced a biophilic calm, making the interiors feel fresh, airy, and connected to nature. Updated lighting honored the building’s heritage while dramatically improving illumination, helping Ford Hall feel alive and inspiring once again.

Durable new furniture and FF&E were selected for longevity and flexibility, supporting both formal rehearsals and informal collaboration. Lounge spaces were strategically added to encourage community, while the art program tied past to present. Custom reproductions of photographs featuring iconic artists connected to the university—such as B.B. King—were framed behind museum glass and placed throughout the building, reinforcing Ford Hall’s cultural and creative lineage.

The result is a revitalized three-story facility that balances historical preservation with modern performance needs.

• Delivered dramatic acoustic and functional improvements across all floors
• Preserved key architectural features while updating every finish
• Created flexible, collaborative student spaces to strengthen community
• Enhanced visual identity through curated custom art and heritage storytelling
• Extended the life, relevance, and usability of a 1951 landmark

Today, Ford Hall stands as both a high-performing fine arts building and a living tribute to the university’s legacy—a space where history and innovation coexist beautifully.

Discover how heritage-informed design can elevate your institutional spaces for decades to come.

Let’s talk about your next project—start a conversation with Color Works.