Samford University has been working on some major renovation and expansion projects to help the school make an even bigger impact in the 21st century. 

One of the priorities of Samford University with any renovation is to embrace the past while providing for the future. That means keeping that classic look that has made the campus iconic for generations. Achieving that balance is no small feat, but with their partnership with Davis Architects, they were up to the challenge.

“Good architecture is a team effort; we have a responsibility to maintain the identity and character of our clients’ vision and standards,” Davis Architects Director of Design Neil Davis said. “When materials or finishes are no longer available, it becomes essential to identify suitable alternatives that uphold the original design intent.”

Preserving Samford’s Legacy

Throughout the school’s history, students who walk on campus have seen that special brick on the buildings with that Samford special color. University leaders wanted to keep that look for any additions to the campus, but that meant matching a brick that was no longer in production. They needed a special Samford Blend. 

The original brick used on campus was created by Bickerstaff Brick Company, using a wood mold process that’s no longer common practice for manufacturing. The company was eventually sold to Boral LTD, an Australian firm in 1995. Today, the company is owned by Meridian Brick, LLC.

The Samford Blend Brick

Davis Architects was still determined to recreate that original look, so they went to the Henry Brick Company who worked with Southern Clay Brick to get the job done.

“We were fortunate to make connections with Southern Clay Brick and Henry Brick,” Davis said. “Through their dedication and close coordination with Davis Architects, a custom brick blend was developed to closely match the Samford Blend and continue its legacy. We are honored to continue our relationship with Southern Clay Brick and Henry Brick to deliver consistent, high-quality projects the Owner can be proud of.”

The Henry Brick Company is a family-owned brick manufacturer in Selma, Alabama, founded in 1945 by J.D. Henry, known for producing high-quality, natural face brick from local clay for residential and commercial use across the Southern, Eastern, and Midwestern United States.

Their team, joined with Southern Clay, worked hard to match that look as much as possible. The collaboration was a success, almost a perfect match of that historic brick look. The Samford Blend includes a light terracotta color with soft gray and tan accents.

“The team effort to create the Samford Blend brick could not have gone better,” Henry Brick VP Denson Henry said. “Samford University does a great job to keep the classic look of its campus alive and well and we at Henry Brick along with our customer in Birmingham, Southern Clay, are honored to help Samford achieve its current and long-term vision.”

Seibert Hall and Campus Expansion

The new Samford Blend can now be seen at the recently renovated Seibert Hall on the Samford University campus. The new southern expansion, spanning a football practice area, brings together the east and west sides of campus.  A carved central stair links three levels of activity and social life, reintroducing daylight and visibility to a previously inward looking structure. 

No longer just a gymnasium, Seibert Hall is a literal and metaphorical bridge: between generations, between the formerly separated side of campus, between tradition and transformation. It’s a place where wellness is immersive, social, and visible—a space that is now the hub of student life on campus.

Investing in Campus and Community

The new Samford Blend can also be seen at the latest Greek housing dorm and the current first year dorm that was recently completed, as well as the additions to the track and field complex as well as the business school.  

“The university has invested nearly $300 million to sustain and enrich the on-campus experience for our students and employees,” Samford President Beck A. Taylor said. “We are grateful to all who worked and gave, imagined and planned; to all who invested heart and mind, toil and sweat.”

 

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