The renovation of the historic Sherer Auditorium in downtown Jasper was a careful restoration and adaptive reuse of a cherished civic landmark.
Originally constructed as a municipal auditorium in 1938 as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA)—a New Deal program initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935—the stone structure has long stood as a symbol of local resilience and craftsmanship. The renovated historic building now serves as Jasper City Hall.
The building’s original character was concealed beneath a modernist facade added in 1972. This project reversed that transformation by carefully removing the 1972 overlay and revealing the original stonework beneath.
Working with a local quarry, the design team restored damaged or missing portions of the historic stone exterior while preserving the architectural integrity of the original WPA construction.
Due to evolving codes and programmatic requirements for improved circulation and access, a new tower addition provides ADA-compliant vertical movement and secondary egress.
The use of glass allows daylight to filter deep into the circulation core, transforming a utilitarian element into a welcoming and engaging experience. Metal panels provide a sleek counterpoint to the rough-hewn stone.
The tower is also strategically set back from the primary facade, preserving the prominence of the original structure.
This feature creates a multipurpose outdoor area adjacent to the creek that is designed to support community events and provide covering for future tenant spaces located on the lower level.
The trellis is supported by three-pronged columns, inspired by the branching form of a nearby tree, that blend the structure with its natural surroundings.
The council chamber combines openness and flexibility with restored historic elements, exposed trusses, and soda-blasted stone and wood. Refurbished velvet curtains with a steel valance conceal AV equipment and enhance acoustics, while a movable council desk allows the space to transform easily for community events.
Reconciling the building’s tall existing window openings with contemporary office functions was another design challenge.
New insulated clad historic windows were added, and floating ceilings were used to allow natural light to filter deeply into each space without compromising the sense of scale.
The stone’s high thermal mass plays a crucial role in energy efficiency by naturally regulating indoor temperatures. Stone walls can store heat during the day and release it slowly at night, reducing the impact on the heating and cooling systems.
In addition, stone’s resilience against weathering, fire, and wear also contributes to the building’s long-term sustainability and minimizes the need for future material replacement.
The design celebrates the building’s history while integrating modern elements that ensure its functionality for many years to come. The result is a sensitive blend of old and new—a timeless civic space that reaffirms the value of preservation, sustainability, and community investment.
