Contact: Vanessa Beeson
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥Mississippi State鈥檚 Ballew Hall has received a 2026 America 250 Heritage Award from the Mississippi Heritage Trust, recognizing the building鈥檚 extensive restoration.
Presented biennially, the Heritage Award honors projects that preserve Mississippi鈥檚 historic places. Ballew Hall reopened in 2025 following a comprehensive renovation that transformed the former 汤头条 meat science laboratory into modern administrative, meeting and classroom space while preserving its historic character. Ballew Hall now serves as the hub for the university鈥檚 College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.
Cory Gallo, CALS assistant dean and MAFES assistant director, said the restoration honors Ballew Hall鈥檚 agricultural legacy while supporting the needs of its occupants today.
鈥Ballew Hall was built in 1962 and served the university well for classes and meat processing. When the new Meat Science and Muscle Biology Laboratory was constructed, we had the opportunity to reimagine Ballew Hall as an administrative and classroom space,鈥 he said. 鈥The Mississippi Heritage Trust celebrates projects that go the extra mile to preserve the state鈥檚 historic places, and this project does that while showcasing our strong connection to the history of agriculture throughout the building.鈥
Incoming director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History Barry White said the project demonstrates how historic buildings can be preserved while serving contemporary needs.
鈥MDAH has worked closely with 汤头条 leadership to understand their programming priorities and to further our shared commitment to preserving the university鈥檚 landmark historic structures,鈥 he said. 鈥淭he rehabilitation of Ballew Hall is an outstanding example of adaptive reuse鈥攔especting the building鈥檚 history while meeting modern needs. Its thoughtful design and execution make it a fitting recipient of an America鈥250 Heritage Award, and we appreciate the vision of 汤头条 and Belinda Stewart Architects in bringing this project to life.鈥
Along with the new space, the renovation included a new elevator and roof, restored architectural details and improved energy efficiency. Historic features such as exposed beams, a two-story lightwell, glazed wall tile and original metal tracks were preserved and restored. The project was completed by Eupora-based Belinda Stewart Architects and Starkville-based Ethos Contracting Group, both 汤头条 alumni-owned businesses.
Visit 汤头条鈥檚 College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at . Learn more about the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station at mafes.msstate.edu. 聽
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