Modus Studios received a Silver Award in the Commercial category of the Brick Industry Association Brick in Architecture Awards for its architectural design of the Centerton City Hall and Courthouse in Centerton, Arkansas. The award recognizes the firm’s inspired use and implementation of Endicott Clay Products Manganese Ironspot brick, supplied for the project through Antique Brick & Block’s Springdale location, in a contemporary civic setting.
The 14,459 square foot municipal complex was designed to serve one of the region’s fastest-growing communities while establishing a lasting architectural presence that reflects stability, civic pride, and long-term durability.
Centerton has experienced a 34 percent population increase since 2020, creating an immediate need for expanded civic facilities. In response, the city commissioned a new municipal complex that could support growing governmental functions while projecting an enduring institutional presence. Modus Studios approached the project with a focus on material authenticity and architectural clarity, resulting in a building that balances modern expression with traditional civic values.
Project Overview
The City of Centerton sought a civic building that would convey the importance of local government while remaining approachable and accessible to the public. Modus Studios responded with a modern interpretation of civic architecture rooted in masonry, using brick as the primary exterior material to establish visual weight, permanence, and durability.
Brick was selected early in the design process for its ability to communicate longevity and institutional character. Drawing from the long tradition of masonry civic buildings throughout the Midwest and Southern United States, the design honors historic precedent while presenting a refined and contemporary architectural language.
Architectural Design
A defining element of the project is the architect’s intentional use of Endicott Clay Products Manganese Ironspot brick. The brick, distinguished by its characteristic ironspots, was selected for its ability to deliver visual strength while maintaining an appropriate civic presence.
The masonry is installed using a combination of running bond and stacked vertical coursing, a deliberate design strategy that introduces rhythm, hierarchy, and depth across the building envelope. These shifts in orientation establish both horizontal and vertical datums, allowing light and shadow to animate the ironspotted surface throughout the day. The result is a facade that feels disciplined yet dynamic, reinforcing the architect’s design intent through material execution.
Courtyard-Centered Planning
The architectural composition is organized around a central courtyard that connects the city hall and courthouse functions. Rather than presenting a single monolithic structure, the building mass was intentionally divided into smaller volumes arranged around a shared outdoor space.
This courtyard-centered approach promotes transparency, accessibility, and civic engagement. The space supports public gatherings, court-related activities, and informal interaction while reinforcing a sense of openness between municipal functions and the community they serve. Carefully scaled proportions allow the courtyard to feel welcoming while accommodating the needs of a growing city.
Performance and Longevity
In addition to its architectural expression, the masonry system supports the city’s long-term performance goals. Brick provides exceptional durability, minimal maintenance requirements, and long-term value, making it well suited for publicly funded civic buildings.
The combination of ironspotted texture, varied coursing, and disciplined detailing reinforces the building’s sense of permanence while ensuring it will age gracefully over time. Through thoughtful material selection and implementation, Modus Studios demonstrated how brick can successfully balance aesthetic intent with functional performance.
Antique Brick & Block was proud to support this award-winning project by supplying the masonry materials that helped bring the design vision to life. This project stands as a strong example of how thoughtful brick design can elevate civic architecture and contribute meaningfully to a community’s identity.
Project Team
Architect: Josh Seibert, Modus Studios
General Contractor: Nabholz
Masonry Contractor: MCB Masonry
Brick Supplier: Antique Brick & Block
Brick Manufacturer: Endicott Clay Products
Project Type: Municipal / Civic