This winter, William & Mary will undertake a yearlong preservation of the Wren Building, the oldest university building in the nation. William & Mary News sat down with Charles Fulcher, the Wren’s director of operations and events, and Sean Hughes, associate vice president of business affairs, to learn more about the project and its impacts on campus life.

Q. Thank you for agreeing to speak with me today. First, tell me about the project.

Sean Hughes: National architectural, engineering and historic preservation experts have assessed the Wren, finding immediate issues that could affect the structural integrity of both buildings. We’ll be looking at the building envelope overall and the cupola. We’ll address water infiltration and electrical and HVAC repairs. We’ll also install a new roof system, which hasn’t been replaced in almost a century.

Charles Fulcher: The Wren is iconic. It dates back to 1695 and is both the oldest building in Williamsburg and also the first building restored to kick off the creation of Colonial Williamsburg. Historic buildings need constant upkeep if we are to preserve them for future generations. Once every 30 years or so, we undertake a major project. The last one began in 1999, so we’re due. We also want to be ready for the nation’s 250^th birthday in 2026.

Q. When does the project start?

Charles: Not until after Yule Log in December. We’ve been deliberate about the timing. We’re trying to minimize impacts to the campus community. The last big project shut the Wren down entirely. We all agreed that we wouldn’t approach this project that way.

Q. What will it be like for the community?

Sean: First off, we’re keeping the Wren open and accessible throughout the project. Doors and walkways, including the ramp entrance, will remain accessible. Classes can still be held in the building, as will signature events like Convocation, Commencement’s Candlelight and Walk Across Campus, and Homecoming. We’ll still ring the bell, as per tradition.

There will be preservation contractors on site working, and necessary scaffolding and construction fencing. The walk through the rear courtyard will be a little longer because of the fencing plan.

Charles: The Wren Yard side will be almost entirely open, though. That fencing will just be up to the edge of the sidewalk right in front of the building.

However, capacity may need to be limited in the Great Hall and Chapel during the day. We hope to increase capacity for events in the evenings when the crews aren’t working.

Q. So we’ll still hold our traditions in the Wren the whole time?

Sean: Yes! Yule Log, Commencement, Homecoming and Convocation can all use the Wren. Basically, we want to be as flexible as possible while we safely complete the preservation work. We understand what an important space this is for everyone on campus. A priority from the beginning was developing a plan that allows us to do the critical preservation work that is necessary while ensuring this space remains an active part of campus.

Q. And photos for the class that graduates in May? We’ll be well into the project by then.

Charles: Student Affairs is finalizing a plan offering regalia for graduating students to reserve for photos around the Wren before the project starts. We’re hoping to begin offering that this month after Homecoming. We’re planning to have the same regalia available for Senior Headshots in the Wren’s Great Hall in mid-November. Once we have everything finalized, we’ll be in contact with students and families. The class president, Matthew Hwang, has also been a great partner in that effort.

Q. Charles, will your office still be in the Wren?

Charles: Absolutely! My role focuses on the daily life of the Wren. I’ll still be there working with the community on events, and with student organizations on things like concerts and ceremonies. I’ll also remain heavily involved with the project, representing the needs of building users. And don’t forget the student volunteers in the Spotswood Society! They’ll still be around to share the building with the public, answer questions and present tours.

Q. Last question: How do community members keep up with the project?

Sean: University Architect Dan Pisaniello has web pages on every capital project and keeps them updated, the Wren preservation included. W&M News covers us. You all did a recent story and another late last year. Also, Dan and I, and the project manager, are always happy to meet with campus and community groups, and to answer questions.  Finally, the general contractor for the project is building a project website dedicated to the Wren that will also provide information on the work they are completing.

Related story: Preserving the nation’s most historic university buildings