In 1908, a deadly tornado struck the small Mississippi town of Purvis, killing dozens of residents, injuring many more, and leaving about 2,000 homeless.
The memory of this tornado, one of the deadliest in U.S. history, can be seen in the X-pattern brickwork of the town’s old school building, which was rebuilt using bricks salvaged from the twister’s destruction.
So it’s fitting that Purvis’ new city hall, designed by Mark Talley, Madison Talley, and Tyler Warmath of Tall Architects in Ocean Springs, Miss., also features a distinctive X pattern created by slightly offsetting bricks, adding visual interest and historical significance at no additional cost.
“By creating a simple form and then wrapping it with this pattern that we pulled from a local school, that really kind of set the set the tone for the project,” Madison Talley says. “It was a way to connect the building with the community’s past.”
The Purvis City Hall project presented unique challenges and opportunities for the design team. They were tasked with designing a new building that would accommodate essential city services, allowing city hall to relocate from a nearby building that it shared with the fire and police departments, freeing up much-needed space for the small but growing community of about 2,000 people.
Credit: Tall Architecture
The architects worked closely with community leaders to develop a standalone city hall that would be both progressive and respectful of local identity.
“The Purvis leadership was clear—they wanted something that looked forward, not back,” Mark Talley says. This openness enabled the architects to propose a modern building with bold design elements, not common in the region’s civic architecture.
While the original plan called for white bricks, supply issues led the team to pivot. Instead, an orange-hued brick became the final choice, offering a timeless appearance that respects the area’s architectural context. The architects and city officials agreed the result was better than the original plan, achieving a more durable and low-maintenance solution that seamlessly fits the town’s character.
Credit: Tall Architecture
The building’s structural design reflects its surroundings and the town’s industries, particularly the timber industry— Purvis being in Mississippi’s Pine Belt region. It features locally sourced cross-laminated timber, which is more resilient to high-wind events, and its design incorporates large timber overhangs and strategic window placement to flood the interior with natural light while minimizing glare. During the day, the building is almost entirely lit by sunlight, contributing to energy efficiency and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Credit: Tall Architects
The site, a compact rectangular corner, was accessible from two sides but visible from all directions. The architects ensured that building was beautiful and engaging from every angle.
Designed with community needs in mind, it provides an adaptable space that can grow alongside Purvis, a town experiencing generational transformation. The project exemplifies how thoughtful, innovative design can bring small-town values into harmony with modern aspirations.
“The community has responded warmly,” Mark Talley says. “We’ve been to many events there and heard nothing but praise.”
This combination of contemporary design with historical significance allows the city hall to stand as a symbol of both continuity and change.
