John W. Hargis Hall

Wasn’t John W Hargis Hall once part of a larger complex? Before you stands John W Hargis Hall a significant building on the University of Texas at Austin campus. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. This building holds a piece of Austin’s history. Originally constructed in 1856 as part of the Texas Asylum for the Blind the site later served as a military training facility during World War I. The building was commandeered again during World War II. John W Hargis Hall is actually a blend of two older structures. One built in 1889 the other in 1900. They were joined to form the building you see today. Notice the tan bricks and limestone detailing. The many windows have limestone sills and are topped by limestone segmental arches. See the keystones? The building features a square clock tower on one side. There’s a shorter square tower on the other. The building is an example of Victorian Italianate architecture. The original asylum building still stands. It’s now known as the Arno Nowotny Building. It houses the office of the director of the university’s Dolph Briscoe Center for American History. John W Hargis Hall itself is now home to the university’s Undergraduate Admissions Center. This building however is more than just an admissions center. It stands as a testament to the resilience of John W Hargis. He was the first Black undergraduate student at UT Austin. He was also the first Black student to receive an engineering degree from the university. He faced significant obstacles to his education but he persevered. His legacy is honored in the building’s name a fitting tribute to a remarkable individual. John W Hargis Hall is a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of the past. It’s also a symbol of hope for a more inclusive future. Take a moment to appreciate the history within these walls. John W Hargis Hall stands as a symbol of perseverance. It represents a crucial step in UT Austin’s journey towards racial equity.