NEH made a grant for the Memphis College of Art Rust Hall Rehabilitation for the National Ornamental Metal Museum. The project involves the renovation of a well-known Memphis landmark in Overton Park, Rust Hall. Rust Hall is a four-story mid-century modern building that was originally built in 1959 and later added onto in 1967. Two more additions were added to Rust Hall in the 70s and 80s. Rust Hall currently stands at approximately 76,000 square feet, but the project involves renovating the original structure and demolishing the two additions. The building is made of a variety of different materials, such as brick, concrete, and concrete block facades. It also includes terrazzo flooring and steel window frames. A lot of the damaged and aged designs will be repaired and returned to their original form with the money from the grant. They also plan on widening the ground level to make it ADA compliant, and new bathrooms and offices will also be added. The studios that were once used for the Memphis College of Art will now be used as open gallery space. The library on the ground level will now be turned into a store and café. 

By: Addison Elliott '25