Wake Forest University's Farrell Hall Tops Out

April 13, 2012

The Wake Forest Schools of Business held a topping-out ceremony for Farrell Hall, which will become the schools’ new home in 2013.  The building is designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, led by Robert A.M. Stern and his partners Graham S. Wyatt and Kevin Smith.

"Farrell Hall will be a world-class home worthy of the exciting future of the Wake Forest Schools of Business," said Steve Reinemund, dean of the Schools of Business.  "A building does not make a program, but this state-of-the-art facility will provide the platform for inspiring scholarly work and social dynamism."

The 130,000-square-foot Farrell Hall will unite undergraduate and graduate programs now scattered in three separate buildings.  Restrained Georgian fronts facing the campus to the north and a new quadrangle to the south will bookend a dramatic triple-height Founders' Living Room, which will connect all the building's levels, with balconies stepping back to allow views from the first floor to the third. Terraces off the Founders' Living Room will cascade out to a lawn with a series of informal outdoor gathering spaces and a grove of mature pin oaks.  The project will seek LEED Gold certification.

Michael A.J. and Mary Flynn Farrell donated $10 million toward the building's $53 million cost.  Mike Farrell is chairman and chief executive of Annaly Capital Management and the parent of a 2010 Wake Forest graduate.  In naming the building, the Farrells are paying tribute to Mr. Farrell's late father, Michael John Farrell.

RAMSA partners Graham Wyatt and Kevin Smith are working with Mr. Stern on the project. 

Rendering by Jeff Stikeman.