Good fortune came our way two years ago when Vanguard received a bequest in the will of Scott Tabor Poage, a retired university professor who had no real ties to Vanguard but who admired the success of the school. Thanks to the bequest, we are currently working with architects, engineers, environmental consultants, and contractors for the renovation of the historic building on campus known to the Vanguard family as Building One. A new name for the building will be officially announced in early November.

During the 1930s, a religious group developed a farming community on the beautiful hilltop currently occupied by Vanguard. The group built a total of 11 buildings, but Building One is the only one that remains. The surviving 14,000 square-foot two-story building with unique architectural features has been vacant and in need of restoration for the past six years. Though less than hospitable, the historic building housed Vanguard’s administrative offices, library, and several classrooms until 2004.

Building One has been regarded as the heart of the campus since the school opened its doors in the fall of 1973. A professional assessment of the building in 2008 indicated that it is structurally sound and worthy of restoration. Dr. Poage’s gift ignited a spirit of renewal on campus with his lead gift for the restoration of the building. According to Dr. Poage’s stipulations, the first floor of the building will contain a library and research center. In addition to the library, the ground floor will house a student activities center and several conference rooms. The remaining 7,000 square feet (the entire second floor of the building) is being reconstructed as a state-of-the-art science department. The M.D. Anderson Foundation has contributed a sizable gift toward that end.

Other exciting features of the renovation include LEED certification for environmental awareness in construction and potential recognition by the Texas Historical Commission. By second semester, Vanguard students will be taking full advantage of the building. A grand celebration and open house will take place in early spring.

Watch for updates on the construction as well as for ways you can support the project!