Bradford Hall Project underway

Wallace Lee Bradford Hall, once an all-male Honors College dormitory, is being remodeled with the intent of housing students once again. With the increasing enrollment numbers at Southern University, there now comes a need for more living accommodations.
“We want more facilities to accommodate our new students as well as returning,” said Director of Residence Life and Housing Tracie Abraham.
Bradford Hall is named in honor of Wallace Lee Bradford, who was appointed principal of the Louisiana State School for the Deaf Negroes (SSD), located on the SU campus. Dr. Bradford worked to give deaf African-Americans an equal chance to further their education and prove that deaf blacks were not “doomed” as many said during the time.
One year prior to hurricane Gustav, Bradford hall was closed.
“The building had been leaking for years,” said Abraham.
Following the building’s closure, hurricane Gustav hit, further damaging the building. The state of Louisiana, along with the Federal Emergency and Management Agency (FEMA), inspected the dormitory, and agreed to assist with the interior reconstruction. However, due to the roof damage occurring prior to the hurricane, the repair cost of that fixture was left to the university. The repair project was initiated in December of 2014, and expected to be completed soon.
“We anticipate [completion] for the fall,” said Abraham, “But it’s a process that takes a long time.”
System Director of Facilities, Endas Vincent, is looking forward to the future interior reconstruction.
“I think it’s going to do well,” said Vincent. “It’s not complex, just flooring and cosmetics.” finished Vincent.
The project on the interior of Bradford Hall has no finalized date on which it is to begin.