PRESERVING THE
A. HAYS TOWN BUILDING
Built more than 50 years ago, the iconic Hays Town building marks the north entrance to the UL campus and hosts 19,000 visitors annually. It is now in great need of refurbishing and we are dedicated to integrating this iconic building into the modern day and into our reimagined Hilliard Museum visitor experience, new gathering space and classroom.
Now we need your help to get us to our goal. Every dollar donated this year will be matched One to One. Donate today to help preserve this beloved landmark.
The Hilliard Art Museum has launched a $1.5 million capital campaign to restore and renovate this historic Acadiana landmark. With great support and momentum, as of April 2023, we have successfully raised 75% of our goal. Recently, Lafayette native and business leader, Roger Ogden, has stepped up to support with a matching gift of $200,000.
The first floor of the Hays Town building will be transformed into a café and dining space ideal for UL students, faculty and community gatherings. In addition the second floor will include a smart classroom complete with state-of-the-art technology. Restoration will also include system upgrades with fully accessible facilities, restrooms and elevators.
This additional 4,300 square feet of programmable space will allow us to increase our educational impact, offer student-led programs for the enjoyment of the campus and community, and establish sustainable revenue source through private event rentals. The Hays Town building is listed on the Lafayette Historic Register, so great care will be taken to ensure the historic integrity of the structure remains intact.
The Hilliard Art Museum is well-positioned to move forward. With your support, we can restore and reimagine the A. Hays Town building for future generations. Please consider donating today.
Donate Today
“A. Hays Town is among the most important architects of the 20th Century expressing the essence of historic South Louisiana architecture. The Town building at Hilliard Art Museum is an iconic example of his work. Complemented by the adjacent contemporary building designed by Eskew Dumez Ripple, the building is a treasure for the University and for Lafayette.” - Roger Ogden, Business Leader and Founder of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art
Catalog of 2018 Exhibition at Hilliard Art Museum University of Louisiana at Lafayette
1.5
million campaign50
years old19,000
visitors4300
square feet75
% of goalKEVIN GOSSEN
About the Architect
Kevin Gossen is President of Gossen Architects, a custom residential firm specializing in traditional and historic design. During his 30 plus years in practice, his firm has been recognized and published for excellence in historic vernacular design with projects throughout the south, spanning from Texas to Florida. Kevin also works on renovations and additions of historic properties particularly those originally designed by A. Hays Town, assuring the architecture is respected and preserved.
Kevin has also been involved as a developer for traditional neighbor-hoods helping to create covenants and guidelines that preserve historic character. Kevin graduated from University of Southwestern Louisiana now U) in 1981 with a Bachelors of Architecture degree.
“By meshing the best in new techonlogy and Louisiana Heritage / Culture with these historical architectual details, I am able to create a truly unique experience, that complements each unique lifestyle”