O’Donnell/Snider Construction (OSC) completed the historic renovation and expansion of the Lamar State College Port Arthur Ruby Ruth Fuller Building, a former church constructed in 1915 and now an educational facility for the college campus in Port Arthur, Texas. Working with design and engineering partner Sigma Engineers, OSC restored the Texas Historical Landmark and transformed the approximately 5,140-square-foot sanctuary into a modern educational facility while preserving the architectural character that has connected the building to the Port Arthur community for more than a century.
The project included the careful restoration of the original brick masonry, windows, stained-glass features, roofing, painted surfaces, and wood elements. Existing architectural components were protected throughout construction, and new materials were selected and installed to complement the historic structure. This detailed preservation work maintained the building’s recognizable exterior appearance while extending the service life of its original features.
Inside the former sanctuary, renovated spaces were configured to support contemporary educational use, including offices, classrooms, meeting rooms, computer labs, and flexible open areas. Modern building improvements were integrated within the historic structure to create a functional learning environment without compromising the integrity of the original architecture.
The existing education annex behind the building was demolished to accommodate a new 4,700-square-foot, two-story meeting hall and education building adjacent to the restored sanctuary. The addition provides expanded space for instruction, meetings, and collaboration. Its design and construction required close coordination to create a seamless connection between the new facility and the historic building through compatible materials, proportions, and architectural details.
Restoring a 106-year-old landmark while introducing new educational spaces required detailed preconstruction planning, specialized restoration methods, and close collaboration among OSC, the owner, Sigma Engineers, and trade partners. The completed project preserves an important piece of Port Arthur history while providing a modern educational facility designed to continue serving students and the broader community for generations.
The RubyFuller Building renovation demonstrates OSC’s expertise in historic building restoration, educational facility renovation, adaptive reuse, and campus expansion projects. From preserving Texas Historical Landmarks to integrating modern educational spaces within century-old structures, OSC delivers complex renovations that balance historic preservation with contemporary functionality. Explore more of OSC’s Education projects to see how the team helps colleges, universities, and institutions preserve historic assets while creating safe, modern environments that support learning and community engagement.
