04 May Restoring a Landmark: Hulley Tower Returns to Stetson University

Some projects carry a different level of responsibility. Not only to deliver a structure, but to help preserve something that already holds meaning.

BBM Structural is proud to have contributed to the reconstruction of Hulley Tower at Stetson University, a landmark that has long been part of the identity of both the campus and the DeLand community.

Originally built in the 1930s, the tower stood for decades before sustaining significant hurricane damage in 2004. It was later dismantled, leaving only its original base. The recent reconstruction brings the tower back to its full 116-foot height, reestablishing its presence at the center of campus.

Projects like this require a different approach than new construction. The goal is not only to build, but to respect what was there before. Working alongside HuntonBrady Architects, with historic preservation support provided by R.J. Heisenbottle Architects and the builder, the Williams Company, BBM supported a structural design that aligns with the original architectural character while meeting today’s standards for safety and performance.

The rebuilt tower includes a new 52-bell carillon, restoring a long-standing tradition on campus. It also preserves key elements of the original structure, including the mausoleum of former Stetson President Lincoln Hulley and his wife, Eloise.

Beyond its architectural significance, Hulley Tower serves as a place of remembrance. The reconstruction continues to honor three Stetson students who lost their lives during a 1979 study abroad trip to Innsbruck, Austria, when an avalanche struck their group. The effort to rebuild the tower was led in part by alumni connected to that time, ensuring that the space reflects both the history of the university and the memory of those students. Today, the tower stands not only as a restored landmark but as a lasting tribute within the campus environment.

Today, the tower stands within a renewed campus plaza, active and visible once again. For BBM, it is meaningful to contribute to projects that support both the future of a community and the preservation of its history. See more of this beautiful restoration project here.