Langdon Hall to receive needed repairs and restoration

Langdon Hall is receiving a major facelift as the second phase of a three-phase restoration project gets underway.

Scaffolding has been erected onsite as workers restore the wood fascia and columns of the almost 180-year-old building, as well as complete needed repairs on the building’s roof.

“As one of the oldest and most iconic buildings on campus it is important that the building be maintained for Auburn to enjoy,” said Hank Moreman, manager of Facilities Management’s in-house construction. “The exterior trim was showing visible wear and age, so it was determined that the restoration work needed to be completed.”

Phase 1 of the project funded an architectural study to pinpoint the various issues affecting Langdon. Phase 2 primarily includes the wood and column restoration, and phase 3 will focus on restoration of the masonry facade, windows and the first-floor concrete panels due to erosion and excessive water intrusion.

The restoration work also includes repairs to the marble tile located at the entrance of Langdon as well as gutter and downspout work to tie them into the existing drain system.

The building came with a few hidden challenges as well.

“When we began the paint removal on the gable, we discovered that the siding had more deterioration than we thought,” Moreman said. “This gave us the opportunity to not only replace the siding, but also take the window and Langdon Hall sign down which proved to be quite the exciting process.”

Langdon Hall was built in 1846 as the chapel for the Auburn Masonic Female College, which became Auburn High School, at the corner of Gay Street and Magnolia Avenue, now the location of AuburnBank. As the then largest auditorium in east Alabama, it was used primarily as a center for public lecture and political debates and included a chemistry lab in the basement. It was moved to the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical College campus, now Auburn University, in 1883, before being named Langdon Hall and bricked in 1892. It is used today as an auditorium and administrative offices.

As the city of Auburn’s oldest building, Langdon Hall for generations has represented the very beginnings of both Auburn University and the Loveliest Village on the Plains. And the restoration work should carry it well into the future for the next generations of Auburn students.

“I am grateful for the opportunity and honored to be able to participate in restoring the vibrancy of Auburn history,” Moreman said. “Langdon and the other buildings in Samford Park are a part of the Auburn community as well as the University, and it is a truly amazing to be a part of this project.”