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Built between 1913 -1917, the Walker building was another renovation of a psychiatric hospital, but unlike the Brown building, it was designed with larger ward rooms making conversion to office space much easier. Unfortunately this 110,000 square foot building, constructed of wood, had serious water problems from leaking slate roofs. In many areas, extensive structural repair was necessary as well as mold remediation.
A complete gut and renovation included all new utilities, windows, and finishes. The slate roof was replaced with material from a similar geographic location as the original. A new corridor with program space was added to each side of the main three story building, connecting the third floor of former patient wings. Existing naturally lit interior stairs were maintained with new skylights.
The impressive front entrance was restored and the upper porches were converted to program space. ADA accessibility was added via ramps to four of the five entrances. Covered roofs protected the main employee's entrances; all designed within the vernacular of the existing building.
The former kitchen, with its high ceilings, was converted into an impressive program space. During construction and conversion of the basement into useable storage, an underground stream was discovered and French drains were installed to divert it away from the building.
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