Temple College Uptown Center picked as outstanding project
The Temple College Uptown Center was selected as an outstanding project in the
field of renovation and modernization by American School and University Magazine.
The architectural team from Freese and Nichols Inc. garnered the award for the
renovations to the 1912 Italian Renaissance style building, The Uptown Center project
was featured in the November Architectural Portfolio issue of American School and
University.
The building was constructed in 1910-12 and was used for more than 50 years as
the main U.S. Post Office in Temple. Original cost of the white stone and cement
structure was $64,400. After a new post office was constructed, the city of Temple
accepted the surplus building and converted it for use by the Temple Public Library.
Formal opening of the Library was held Nov. 10, 1664, with former U.S. Rep. W.R.
Poage as guest speaker. The building received an official Texas Historical Marker in
1978. The Library occupied the building until 1996, when it moved to its present
location at First and Adams.
For several years, the building was vacant and in 1999 the City of Temple and
Temple College entered into a lease agreement for the college to operate a center in the
downtown area. The project is a cornerstone of the renovating and rejuvenating of
Temple’s town square and downtown area.
Renovations to the building included interior partitions, replacing and restoring
floors, updating lighting systems, Americans with Disabilities act restroom expansions,
painting and woodwork restorations, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning
upgrades. Freese ad Nichols was the architect and WTC Masterbuilders Limited was the
contractor. Many of the architectural details for the 90 year old building were retained
and enhanced as part of the renovation. The double doors at the entrance, the vaulted
ceiling in the lobby and much of the building’s original millwork and light fixtures were
retained. Carpet was removed from the marble stairs to enhance the beauty of the spiral
staircase. New mill work was constructed and stained to match and keep the historical
character of the existing wood. The Uptown Center is now home to the Temple College
Advancement, Business and Comnmunity Education Devision and the Computer-Aided
Design Department as well as the Business Gowing Center and the Business Information
Center, a collaborative effort of Temple College , the city of Temple, Temple Economic
Development Corporation, Temple Chamber of Commerce, McLennan Community
College Small Business Development Center, and the U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA).
The Business Growing Center and Business Information Center are located on the
ground floor. The center provides counseling and training to current and prospective
small business owners. Business counselors will be available Monday through Thursday
to give business advice and assist small business owners and prospective business
entrepreneurs. The Center also sponsors classes related to starting a new business. The
Business Information Center will offer computer stations, books, video and audio
cassettes, software and articles related to business management and operation. The TC
mobile computer lab, which is used for business and corporate training, also is located on
the ground floor.
The Main floor includes a 50-seat classroom, an 18-seat conference room, and a
break area, as well the TC Office of Business and Community Education. This
department offers a wide variety of non-credit courses to meet the diverse needs of the
community including youth, adults and senior citizens. The Business and Community
Education Office also offers technical training, and works with local business and
industry in providing workforce training.
The Computer-Aided Design Department is located on the third floor. There are
two large computer laboratory classrooms equipped with the latest software in computeraided design technology. Both day and evening credit and non-credit classes are offered.
Also located on the third floor are the Advancement Office and a small
conference room. The Advancement Office coordinates the activities of the Temple
College Foundation and assists with resource development of the college.