7/20/2010
From School House to Residence: Transformation Story of the The Rox School
The BeginningThe city of Greenwood, Arkansas founded in 1851, is located in western Arkansas, approximately 12 miles south of Fort Smith. "The Rox" Building was built there in 1891 by the Greenwood Community and became the center for learning in the community for almost 60 years. At various times it housed elementary, high school and The Greenwood Normal College. The building was literally built from rocks of the local area and in the Italianate style. In 1905, the building doubled in size but retained the same style of architecture. However by 1953, the building fell into neglect after a new elementary school was built, and was soon sold to former graduate Means Wilkinson and his wife, Betty in 1959. The couple turned the old school house into their personal residence by 1960, raising three sons and a daughter. In 2005, youngest of the three sons James Edward "Ed" Wilkinson and his wife LaDonna were committed to restoring and renovating the building to its original architecture. The family admired Architect, Chad Young's design and attention to detail as they worked with him in designing the 30,000 sq. ft. Greenwood Bank in 2006, as well as Mrs. Betty's house in 2008. Mr. Wilkinson knew Chad and WD&D would take great pride in their family treasure.
The Transformation
As the architect, Chad recalls the Rox was a unique project that few in the profession get to encounter. The original structure featured tall windows, wood brackets and a beautiful stone exterior. The interior design was derived from the Edwardian style that is inspired from King Edward VII (1901-1914). This style was a fresher approach from the main stream Victorian era, which used dark colors, cluttered furnishings and heavy design detailing. The existing house is prominently situated on the highest point of the site, surrounding by a lawn and an iron and stone fence. The main entry faces east and is visible from the gated drive and pathway, which was once the path children took to the school house. The exterior renovation design goal was to restore the structure to its original Italianate style with some classical revival modifications that would enhance the former school house into a very stately, but modern residence for the family to enjoy for years to come. The main entry and covered pool terrace, has a colonnade with Corinthian columns and concrete balustrades. A garage, outdoor kitchen, exercise room, sauna, as well as an entrance vestibule from the garage area were added to the existing house and detailed to appear to have been there originally. The existing interior had an Edwardian style curved wooden staircase centrally located that was salvage from an 1800's era house from downtown Fort Smith and placed in the home during the 1960's remodel. This stair is located in the Great Hall and is the focal point of the hall and Family Room. The Great Hall was revamped to include wood paneling, wood floors, with ceiling trim work and accents of cove lighting. Interior renovations or additions included a Billiard Room, Theatre and an Office/Library. The Library has a special niche built for the original bell that once rang out from the school house. One of the unique features added to the Neo-Renaissance influenced home is an architectural concrete clad bay window on the south elevation on both the first and second floor that create reading and sitting nooks. The concrete clad silo-like element recalls the past of the old silver fire escape. Due to the very tall wood windows that surround the house all ceilings at the perimeter of the house had to be 11'-10" on the first level. The house has period style light fixtures, recessed can lights, gas fireplaces, geothermal heating and cooling, wood paneling, wood and tiled floors. "The Rox transformation was a success and exceeded our expectations", were the words of Ed Wilkinson and his family. "The truth is the transformation simply enhanced the Rox for the next generation of Wilkinsons".
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