Rough Draft Atlanta Showcases Spelman’s Architectural Legacy and Campus Transformation

The Feature Explores How the College's Historic Landmarks and Modern Facilities Reflect a Longstanding Commitment to Excellence, Innovation and Student Success

Rough Draft Atlanta recently published an article highlighting Spelman College’s architectural legacy and modernized infrastructure as part of its ‘Perspectives in Architecture’ series. For the feature, Facilities Management Director Arthur Frazier III spoke about the relationship between Spelman’s commitment to excellence and its innovative infrastructure.

Published on July 13, 2026, the article shared Spelman’s storied legacy, beginning with its founding in 1881 in the basement of Friendship Baptist Church and ending with Spelman’s newest building, the Mary Schmidt Campbell Center for Innovation & the Arts.

During our tour, Art helped me to see that the beauty of this HBCU goes beyond its highly regarded academic programs, distinguished alumni and vibrant student body life,” said Melody Harclerode, writer for Rough Draft Atlanta. “The greatness of Spelman College also lies in its commitment to architectural excellence from the restoration of the historic Rockefeller Hall to the construction of the new Mary Schmidt Campbell Center for Innovation & the Arts.”

Since 1881, the original nine-acre seminary has expanded to its current 39-acre site nestled within the Atlanta University Center. Harclerode highlighted Rockefeller Hall, Sisters Chapel, and the Innovation Center as buildings that stand out on campus for their history and design excellence.

Spelman continues to make significant investments into its infrastructure, reflecting its ongoing commitment to modernizing campus infrastructure, preserving its facilities, and ensuring students, faculty and staff have access to safe, reliable and modern spaces that support learning, living, and working.

Last year, Spelman renovated Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Hall and Morehouse-James Hall, adding air conditioning, upgraded amenities and enhanced security features to improve the residential experience. In May 2026, Spelman began construction of a new 670-bed residence hall. The 230,000-square-foot dorm has a projected completion date of August 2028 and will replace two older residence halls on campus.

“We want Spelman College students, faculty and visitors to see that excellence is reflected in our buildings as well as our academics,” said Frazier.