Historic Buildings Surveys

Permanent URI for this collection

https://hdl.handle.net/1794/28779

Within the established period of significance (1876-1974), forty-nine buildings were also surveyed and recorded for the Campus Heritage Landscape Plan. The survey forms used for the forty-nine buildings are similar to the forms in common use by the City of Eugene.

All of these historic resources received rankings based on their historic significance and integrity, creating a hierarchy that allows for protection of the most important resources while allowing for needed new development.

For more information, visit the Historic Buildings Surveys webpage.

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 56

Open Access
Historic Resource Survey Form : Walton Hall Complex
(University of Oregon, 2006) Johnson, Susan; Steverson, Erica; Helwick, Sarah
Walton Hall was built in the period after WWII in response to effects of the baby boom, which increased student enrollment at the University. It was built along with the Earl (1954-55), Hamilton (1962), and Bean Complexes (1964). The original name of the residence hall was changed from George Rebec Hall to Joshua J. Walton Hall in 1958 after the members of Rebec House protested the use of the same name. Joshua J. Walton was a Eugene city judge and served on the Board of Regents from its inception, from 1872 – 1906. The design concept of Walton, according to then Housing Director, H.P. Barnhart, was based on the idea of creating small unit living with large unit management. This meant a centralized kitchen, but separate dining halls in each unit; additionally, a recreation room, snack machines and laundry facilities in the basement for the entire complex, but individual lounges in each separate unit. The unit design of Walton also allowed the University to house both men and women in the same complex, but in different units. At one point in time, men were housed in Adams, Clark, DeCou Halls and women in the remaining seven halls. The design concept also included the idea of outdoor living, providing residents with easy access to outdoor patios through sliding glass doors from the lounge areas.
Open Access
Historic Resource Survey Form : Volcanology
(University of Oregon, 2006) Johnson, Susan; Stoller, Melissa; Burk, Kathryn
The Volcanology building was constructed in 1936 as the campus infirmary. It was initially planned as part of a larger three story complex in a different location. The current simplified two story version was built instead. The building is constructed of poured concrete with exterior wall material of brick and stucco. Decorative features include concrete pediment and surround on entry of south façade, as well as concrete pediments over upper windows on east and west façade. Other decorative features include brick quoins, a parapet diaper pattern of brick and recessed mortar joints, coping and wrought iron hand rail at south entrance. Final approval of construction was received in 1935 with the allocation of $100,000 from the PWA. The infirmary was viewed as a campus/university hospital, it provided basic student health services. The location, the site of the former Drill Hall, was part of Ellis Lawrence’s contribution to the campus expansion along 13th Ave. The Volcanology/Infirmary building is considered less significant than most of Lawrence’s other campus buildings due to its relative isolation from his earlier projects. In 1951 a penthouse addition was added as a residence for the campus physician. In 1964 a rear addition was added as part of the science laboratories, in the form of a concrete bunker with 24” to 42” thick walls to house a four MEV particle accelerator. The particle accelerator is used in nuclear physics to produce beams of energy charged particles needed to observe objects as small as the atomic nucleus. In 1968 the building was renamed Volcanology and underwent an interior remodel, converting it to classrooms and offices. Volcanology has excellent integrity despite its interior and exterior alterations. The building may have National Register eligibility due to its association with Lawrence (campus plan and building design). It is considered to be a secondary level resource (medium significance with excellent integrity).
Open Access
Historic Resource Survey Form : Villard Hall
(University of Oregon, 2006) Johnson, Susan; Burk, Kathryn; Stoller, Melissa
Designed by Warren H. Williams, noted architect of iron front buildings from Albany to Portland, Villard Hall was the second building constructed on the University of Oregon campus due to a grant from University patron Henry Villard. It was referred to as the New College Building during construction but by the dedication ceremony it received the name Villard Hall, in honor of Henry Villard. He had assisted the university in 1881 with a donation of $7000 to erase the remaining debt from the construction of Deady Hall (he was a friend of Matthew Deady). He also donated $1000 for a library, $1000 for science equipment, established five $250 scholarships and a $50,000 endowment to UO. Henry Villard was born in Bavaria as Ferdinand Heinrich Gustav Hilgard. He changed his name when he was 18 years old and immigrated to the US. He settled in Illinois where he became an English reporter for the German newspapers and was purportedly a friend of Abraham Lincoln. He married Abolitionist Fannie Garrison. He studied finance and supervised US holdings of German businessmen. He amassed great wealth through his land holdings on New York’s Madison Avenue and through his ownership of the Northern Pacific Railroad and General Electric. McKim, Mead & White designed his house in New York.
Open Access
Historic Resource Survey Form : University Health and Planning Center
(University of Oregon, 2006) Johnson, Susan; Burk, Kathryn; Stoller, Melissa
Construction began on the new Infirmary in 1965 and was completed in early 1966 at a cost of around $1.0 million. This unassuming building was designed in the modern style by Balzhiser, Seder & Rhodes, a local architectural firm that has done a good deal of work on the UO campus. Originally “H”-shaped and of approximately 38,000 square feet, the Health Center has two floors and a basement. It has a concrete foundation and is built of reinforced brick walls on the first floor and pre-cast concrete panels on the second. There are concrete arched lintels over the doors and the metal-framed casement windows. It has a standing-seam metal roof. The ground floor arches appear to endorse the historical architecture on campus, yet the Health Center remains true to its modern form. Its architecture is non-descript. This building was designed to house the Infirmary and has continued to do so. When it was first completed the second floor was designed as an in-patient unit with hospital beds. Recently, the medical emphasis has been changed to that of outpatient services. Over time, the Center’s piecemeal alterations have separated related services into random areas of the building. It has undergone multiple interior remodels over the past forty years – room by room, almost yearly since its completion.
Open Access
Tree Tops Historic Context
(University of Oregon, 2016) Campus Planning, University of Oregon
Tree Tops--also known historically as the Hampton House, Campbell Church House, and most recently the Chancellor’s House--was built from 1908-1910 for prominent local businessman Alton Hampton. One of the first grand houses to be built in the southern, hillier area of Fairmount (known as Fairmount Heights), Tree Tops was part of a building and population boom in Eugene. According to the Fairmount History Project, a record-high 266 homes, 56 in Fairmount alone, were built in 1909. Tree Tops is one of several important early estates on the electric streetcar Fairmount Loop. Other important, adjacent estates include the Washburne Estate (c. 1920), the Fellman-Jewett Residence (1921), and the McMorran House (1925), which continues to house the acting University of Oregon president. Like Alton Hampton, George McMorran and his partner Carl Washburne were successful Eugene businessmen. Wilson H. Jewett was a Eugene lumberman and the brother of Mrs. Washburne. These estates, built into the same steeply sloping hillside, all have panoramic views of the University and the city below.
Open Access
Historic Resource Survey Form : Straub Memorial Hall
(University of Oregon, 2006) Johnson, Susan; Burk, Melissa; Stoller, Kathryn
Ellis Lawrence designed the Men’s Dormitory in the Colonial Revival style, the style reserved for his secondary campus buildings (ie, those not on the Memorial Quadrangle) such as Education West and East. This is also seen in his design work in the East (possibly Whitman College). This building was one of seventeen of Lawrence’s works to be selected to be shown in an Oregon AIA exhibit in 1929. Originally, the dormitory was built to be self-sustaining per Oregon’s Enabling Act (1859), which was enacted to finance new university buildings. Total cost was $375,000 including construction, lands and furnishings. To make the new dormitory comply with the self-sustaining rule, room rents were raised higher than they had been at its predecessor, Friendly Hall; rooms in Straub were $36 per term plus $1.00 per day for board. The new Men’s Dormitory was completed in seven short months in 1928, with six residential units, a central kitchen and dining room, six additional dining rooms which could be opened to create a large hall, an ice plant, sewing room, linen room, laundry, an electric engine room and storage rooms in the basement. During WWII women students were moved into half of Straub Hall. In 1946, temporary housing arrived to handle the 47% increase in students returning from the war. The women were later moved into their own new dormitory, Carson Hall, in January of 1949.
Open Access
Historic Resource Survey Form : Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
(University of Oregon, 2006) Johnson, Susan; Mauro, Jeremy; Lingo, Shawn
The University of Oregon’s Museum of Art was constructed in 1930 for the purpose of housing Gertrude Warner’s collection of Asian art and antiquities as well as the Condon fossil collection (now stored in the Museum of Natural History). Beginning in 1925, funds for the construction were raised by public subscription. Work was delayed and the design, originally a 3-winged plan, was changed due to the Great Crash of 1929. The building has been surrounded by controversy ever since its construction. Gertrude Warner initially refused to allow her collection to be housed in the new museum, citing security concerns. Other controversies have included cost over-runs, design disagreements (the original Lawrence plan was for 3 wings instead of 1), and the effects and benefits of the 2004 rehab and expansion work. The Museum of Art was the work of Ellis Lawrence. Stylistically it is difficult to classify due to the various opinions and unique characteristics. Marion Dean Ross, the University of Oregon’s eminent architectural historian, noted Romanesque, Gothic, Islamic, Eclectic, and Modernistic influences. This survey follows the assessment given in the Lawrence Survey of 1989 with the classification of “Exotic.” Lawrence’s use of materials and modern mechanical systems was commented on favorably by Frank Lloyd Wright during that great architect’s visit to Eugene.
Open Access
Historic Resource Survey Form : Robinson Theatre
(University of Oregon, 2006) Johnson, Susan; Burk, Kathryn; Stoller, Melissa
Designed by Annand & Kennedy Architects & Engineers of Portland, the University Theatre was approved by the Board of Regents in April of 1948. Many students, alumni, professors and staff voiced objections to the plan to attach such a modern structure to the historic Villard Hall, a National Historic Landmark. The then Dean of AAA, Sidney W. Little, believed the theatre addition would be an aesthetically pleasing contrast against Villard. The new theatre held an audience of 400 and opened in November of 1949. It is considered the west end of Villard Hall, not a separate building. The cost of construction was $468,000 including the remodeling of the interior of Villard. Robinson has a one story lobby and reaches four stories at the “fly tower.” Robinson has no decorative features. The Theatre was renamed in 1976 for Horace Robinson, theater faculty member from 1932 to 1976. He is credited with consulting on the design of the theater, especially the interior. Robinson Theatre is on the Dad’s Gate Axis and near the Deady Hall Walk Axis. Many significant trees occupy the grounds, although many more were lost when the theatre was constructed. Grading during construction of the Robinson Theatre stage buried the Normal Gate, a wrought iron arbor installed in 1885 by the Normal School Graduates as a memorial to themselves due to the closure of the two-year teaching certificate program in 1885. It was finally unearthed 55 years later by University of Oregon Historic Preservation Students in 2004-2005, who then had it repaired and reinstalled for Preservation Week 2005. Retired Professor Emeritus Horace Robinson came to campus during May 2005 for the rededication ceremony and gave a speech at the age of 95.
Open Access
Historic Resource Survey Form : Peterson Hall
(University of Oregon, 2006) Johnson, Susan; Stoller, Melissa; Burk, Kathryn
Peterson Hall, formerly known as the Education Building, is a brick, Mediterranean style building constructed in 1916. It was designed along with Gilbert Hall, formerly known as the Commerce Building, to be twin “entry pylons” for the Memorial Quadrangle. Lawrence designed primary campus buildings such as Peterson and Gilbert in exotic styles, as seen in his other works on Memorial Quad, while he reserved the Colonial Revival style for secondary buildings (Education East, Education West, Women’s Memorial Quad buildings). Peterson was also Lawrence’s first building to be built on campus. These two buildings, along with Condon and Chapman Halls, Knight Library and the Museum of Art, form the major group of campus buildings of Lawrence’s career. Peterson was built to house the School of Education, which began in 1910 and was the university’s fourth professional school. Peterson Hall housed the School of Education for five years before it was relocated to Lawrence’s new Education Building in 1921. Peterson Hall next housed the Law School until it moved to Fenton Hall. Peterson then became the center of the Liberal Arts College housing the department of languages and social studies. Circa 1951 there was a large addition to both Peterson and Gilbert Halls. The ensemble became known as the Commonwealth Complex. (The Commonwealth Building was later completely razed for construction of the new Lillis Business Complex.) The early 1950s held many alterations for Peterson (Education) and Gilbert. The Commonwealth addition obstructed the Dads’ Gates Axis originally intended by Ellis Lawrence and caused a need to elevate the grade of the courtyard. The first flight of Gilbert and Peterson’s entry stairs was removed to meet the level of the new re-grade. The most startling alteration was the truncation, or flattening, of the gabled parapets on their entry façades. The Yellow Buckeye tree in the courtyard was received from the governor of Ohio and Ohio State University in 1958 as the result of a bet on that year’s Rose Bowl game between Ohio State and Oregon.
Open Access
Historic Resource Survey Form : Pacific Hall
(University of Oregon, 2006) Johnson, Susan; Flathman, Jennifer; Pochert, Erin
In the period following World War II, the University of Oregon experienced increasing enrollment and a need for buildings to house rapidly expanding programs. One of the areas that experienced the greatest growth was the sciences. During the early 1950s enrollment in science programs increased dramatically. The study of science at this time grew increasingly specialized with a need for new equipment and support spaces. The University intended for “Science I” to provide a modern home to all of the science disciplines. The 1952 design by Lawrence, Tucker, and Wallman emphasized utility and economy. The internal arrangements stressed flexibility of partition walls and durability of materials. The designers selected a reinforced concrete frame to accommodate the mechanical and equipment load necessary for “modern” science programs. The building has simple rectangular massing with the exception of the projecting entry bay at the northwest edge. The unadorned walls and massing reflect the building’s half modern style. It is said that the plain concrete façade is the result of budget cuts and that the original design called for brick. Further research is required to confirm this. The chair of the building committee of the State Board of Education, Dr. R.E. Kleinsorge, described Science I as “the single most important building ever added to the campus.” Kleinsorge’s sentiments are evidence of the increasing importance of science at the University of Oregon and the eagerness with which the community anticipated its construction. Typifying the new age of technological architecture, the building had a specially designed ventilating system, which pressurized inside air slightly greater than outside air, making labs odor-free. Also, chemistry labs were equipped with showers in their doors, (Sandahl). The building is connected to Columbia Hall via a skybridge on the second story. The building was connected in 1962 to what was originally known as the east wing of Science I but is now known as Onyx Bridge. In 1990, the building was renamed Pacific Hall. In 1990, a connection was added between Pacific Hall and the new wing of Lawrence Hall. The building continues to house science facilities but now also accommodates the Yamada Language Lab, Environmental Studies department, American English Institute, and facilities for the School of Architecture and Allied Arts.
Open Access
Historic Resource Survey Form : Oregon Hall
(University of Oregon, 2006) Johnson, Susan; Helwick, Sarah; Steverson, Erica
Oregon Hall was designed in 1974 by the architectural firm Zimmer, Gunsul, Frasca Partnership of Portland. Oregon Hall is a brick asymmetrical building with windows in horizontal bands of six panes. The west wing of the building is three stories. This wing features a recessed entry that faces south with recessed balconies above. On the north side of the west wing, a third floor terrace is featured. The east wing of the building is four stories. The two wings converge at the northeast corners and are emphasized by a tower-like projection. Oregon Hall currently houses administration offices including admissions, financial aid, registrar, and student affairs. These offices were previously housed in Emerald Hall, which was demolished. In 1962 the University hired urban designer Lawrence Lackey to create a new campus plan. He produced a "fixed image map" which projected future campus development. The placement of Oregon Hall, along with the Bean Residence Hall Complex and various science facilities, were a part of Lackey's plan. Oregon Hall was built during a transitional period on campus. Although Christopher Alexander published The Oregon Experiment in the early 1970s, buildings influenced by this plan do not show up on campus until 1976. It is possible that Oregon Hall was one of the last buildings constructed prior to the adaptation of Alexander's plan. However, more research is needed to determine this. Oregon Hall has high intensity and is in excellent condition, but currently it has little significance, lacks distinction and is not fifty years old. Therefore, it is not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. At present, it is categorized as a non-contributing resource given its very low significance relative to other campus buildings.
Open Access
Historic Resource Survey Form : Onyx Bridge
(University of Oregon, 2006) Johnson, Susan; Stoller, Melissa; Burk, Kathryn
In 1960 construction was underway on the new East Wing to the Science Building. The building was constructed to house laboratories and offices. Later named Onyx Bridge, so named because it was designed to straddle Onyx Street (although the street was closed during construction and never reopened), the unique building was a result of a new type of architectural design - an external structural support system. The entire building is supported by steel girders, covering the outside, and towers at each end of the “bridge.” By using this method, no further support was required within the structure. The idea behind this design was so that the internal structure could be changed at any time without concerns of load support or stress on the structure. Therefore, with no permanent interior floor plan, the windows were placed without regard to what they would look like on the exterior. The criss-crossed exterior girders are supposed to be the only noticeable feature of the completed building. Faculty later complained of too few windows and vibration. After the building’s completion and subsequent inspection, the exterior supports were covered in asbestos as a fire safety precaution. By 1984, removal of the asbestos was ordered and an exterior fire sprinkler system was installed. As originally designed, four additional stories were planned for Onyx Bridge for a total of eight stories. This design was never carried forward.
Open Access
Historic Resource Survey Form : McKenzie Hall
(University of Oregon, 2006) Johnson, Susan; Lingo, Shawn; Mauro, Jeremy
McKenzie Hall was completed in 1970 to house the Law School, which had outgrown it previous home, Fenton Hall. McKenzie has an interesting interplay of Modern architecture elements with strong references to Fenton Hall. This is accomplished through its massing, brick building material, and even the color of the brick veneer. With its exposed concrete construction, it is a Modern interpretation of Fenton, the campus’ first library and an important resource to the University. Designed by architects Wilmsen, Endicott and Unthank, McKenzie Hall is a fine example of the Brutalist style with its overscale geometric massing and use of rough cast concrete for textural effect. Wilmsen, Endicott, Unthank, all graduates of the UO School of Architecture, designed numerous Eugene buildings together and individually. Decorative elements are limited to the strong geometric play of shapes and the contrast between building materials. The extensive modern landscape planning by Lloyd Bard and Associates adds to the building’s potential significance. One of the most important events to have occurred at McKenzie Hall was the address given at its grand opening as the Law Center by United States Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas. It is bounded on the south by the terminus of the historic Deady Hall Walk Axis and on the east by the Dads’ Gates Axis.
Open Access
Historic Resource Survey Form : McArthur Court
(University of Oregon, 2006) Johnson, Susan; Welch, Dustin; Blaser, Andrea
McArthur Court was named after Clifton N. “Pat” McArthur, who was the first president of the ASUO, first editor of the school newspaper, the student director of athletics, and Speaker of the Oregon legislature and Representative to Congress. Clifton has been called the “Father of Oregon Athletics.” It was designed in the Half Modern style by Ellis Lawrence, with a rectangular footprint and a concrete foundation. The four story building has an exterior stucco application and a vaulted metal roof. It also uses the Lamella technique of vaulting that originated in Holland, of which it is the first example in the Northwest, and possibly the West Coast (replaced in 1996). It was utilized in order to cut costs and span 109’ using 10’ lengths of 2” x 12” lumber. It was originally intended to seat 6,000 spectators, but seating grew to 10,000 by 1955, when the addition of side balconies, exterior trusses, and corner stair towers helped to expand the facility, altering the original exterior. On the new exterior, one can see blind arches, a string course, buttresses, and diamond panels atop corners. A second expansion in the 1970s added end balconies. The Howe Field Gate to the south was designed by renowned blacksmith O.B. Dawson in 1937, who also designed Dads’ Gates and the interior Knight Library Gates.
Open Access
Historic Resource Survey Form : Prince Lucien Campbell Hall
(University of Oregon, 2006) Johnson, Susan; Dietzler, Karl
When Prince Lucien Campbell Hall was built to accommodate the University’s urgent need for office and classroom space. Federal funds were used to pay for the majority of its construction. The modern architecture, which it brought to campus, did not catch on and PLC Hall stands as an anomaly on the Memorial Quadrangle. The building was partially designed by two University of Oregon Architecture graduates. A memo in the Campus Planning files (Aug. 6, 1991) from Loren Allen to George Shipman states that Keith Robert Maguire was a 1934 graduate of the UO, B. Arch. Rollin Boles was a 1937 B. Arch UO graduate as well, but only Maguire and Stanton signed the drawings. This memo refers to information gained from the UO Alumni Office. The period of significance is the construction date of the final two portions, when the complex was complete. This building is not yet eligible for the National Register as it is not fifty years old. The resource lacks distinction, is not an outstanding example of the International Style, and therefore will not be eligible for the National Register when it reaches the 50-year mark. It is ranked as a non-contributing resource due to its very low significance compared with other campus buildings.
Open Access
Historic Resource Survey Form : Lawrence Hall
(University of Oregon, 2006) Johnson, Susan; Dietzler, Karl; Granke, Heidi
The building named for the founder of UO’s architecture program and prominent Oregon architect is a complicated layering of additions and connections among buildings, which began before his time and continued well after. Ellis Lawrence's influences on the existing 1901 Mechanical Hall by Edgar Lazarus and the 1914 Architecture Building by Knighton include many minor alterations and major changes at three different times (1923, 1924, and 1940-41). Lawrence's School of Architecture and Allied Arts was founded in 1914 and quickly rose to national prominence. His low-budget ad hoc assemblage of buildings and additions housed his school until major additions were added in 1957 and 1970. The amalgamation shows the relatively small older buildings (Mechanical Hall, Architecture Building, and Power Plant) juxtaposed with three and four story modern additions (1957, 1971, and 1991 portions). Overall, there is quite a bit of history that can be traced to the complex’s growth and changing appearance with the growth of the AAA School under Ellis Lawrence as well as the changing tastes in style over the last 100 years. The oldest portion of Lawrence, 1901 Mechanical Hall portion, was designed by Edgar Lazarus (the builder is unknown). Today it comprises the northwest portion of the Lawrence Hall complex. According to Ed Teague’s architecture research guide, Lazarus is best known for the Vista House, Crown Point (1916). He also designed two buildings at OSU. In 1914, W.C. Knighton, Oregon’s first State Architect, built a parallel building, the Architecture Building, east of Mechanical Hall facing what was then University Street (the builder is unknown). The Architecture Building was designed to resemble Mechanical Hall and indeed they appear similar to this day. An old photo of Mechanical Hall shows the cupola that was later removed by Lawrence and dark colored siding – it cannot be determined whether the siding was brick or wood. W. C. Knighton also connected the two former buildings with an addition, originally one story. In 1923 Ellis Lawrence added a second story to the connector as part of his large Arts Wing project, made possible after the heating plant moved out to its new building. This added a second-floor main drafting room and library on the courtyard. Lawrence removed the Mechanical Hall’s cupola and applied stucco to the entire ensemble to give a uniform, Mediterranean-style appearance (Teague, 2004). Other 1923-24, courtyard additions included a bay window and ambulatory. In 1940- 41 Lawrence added two wings to the north, which extended the west facade and added studio space (the builder is unknown). They were funded by WPA (WPA # 1335).
Open Access
Historic Resource Survey Form : Knight Library
(University of Oregon, 2006) Johnson, Susan; Helwick, Sarah; Steverson, Erica
Ellis Fuller Lawrence’s original plan called for an auditorium to be built in this site, as the termination of the south axis and most important building in his beaux-arts plan. The axis extended from the auditorium to Dad’s Gates and beyond to the train station. However, the decision was made by President Hall to build a library in its place. The library was funded by the Public Works Administration (“PWA”) and the Works Progress Administration (“WPA”) program funds and is representative of the last surge of building before WWII. The library has been referred to as Oregon’s best example of integrated art and architecture. It is the most fully executed of Lawrence’s buildings incorporating sculpture, painting and metalwork, much done by students, graduates and professors. Much of the interior artwork is mostly intact. The building’s name was changed in 1994 to honor Phillip Knight, President and CEO of Nike, Inc and a University of Oregon alum. Knight Library, along with the Memorial Quad, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 9, 1990. The original Lawrence building from 1937 was nominated and listed and the 1950 and 1966 additions were listed as non-contributing. At the time the National Park Service accepted the building, the 1994 addition had yet to be built. The library was listed under criteria A and C: it was listed under A because it was funded by Public Works Administration funds and listed under C as a significant element in Lawrence’s Beaux Arts plan and for the fine craftsmanship displayed on the exterior and interior of the library. The original portion of the building is listed in the nomination as Beaux Arts Eclecticism while the additions are Modernistic. Some elements of the original design reflect a “moderne” character including the decorative motifs, and functional elements such as entrance lanterns.
Open Access
Historic Resource Survey Form : Klamath Hall
(University of Oregon, 2006) Johnson, Susan; Flathman, Jennifer; Pochert, Erin
The science departments at the University of Oregon continued to grow in enrollment and specialization during the late 1950s and early 1960s. By the mid 1960s, the facilities in Science I (Pacific Hall) and its East Addition(Onyx Bridge) were cramped and outdated. Emerging fields such as Molecular Biology needed space and specialized equipment. The University planned to augment the science facilities with new buildings. In addition to funding from the State of Oregon, much of the sponsorship for individual laboratories came from grants given by the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health. The selection of Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill (SOM) to conduct the master planning for the science complex and design for Science II is significant in that this was the first firm from outside of the Northwest to design a campus building. This large, international firm is known for technically sophisticated buildings that emphasize utility. The master plan for the science complex called for incremental building with separate structures linked by corridors and courtyards to provide unity. The functional requirements of the departments housed within provide the organizational scheme for each individual building. The design for Klamath Hall (Science II) utilizes modern design principles to respond to the ever-changing functional needs. In keeping with Modernist principles, the only ornament is the expression of the structural frame. Not merely an aesthetic choice, the frame and corresponding lack of internal columns provides for open laboratory spaces, easy internal partitioning, and sun control. The use of fixed windows and reliance on mechanical ventilation also reflect the importance of technology in modern design. The desire to maximize internal flexibility drove the decisions for everything from mechanical systems to laboratory finishes. The Science Library’s central location is a hub linking the various departments together. The Library’s position in the basement maximizes the coverage on the site with the light well providing daylight and controlled access to the outdoors from within the facility. The Library is emblematic of the connection between utility and technology found throughout Klamath Hall and modern design.
Open Access
Historic Resource Survey Form : Johnson Hall
(University of Oregon, 2006) Johnson, Susan; Helwick, Sarah; Steverson, Erica
Johnson Hall houses the University's administrative offices, including the Office of the President and the Provost. Influenced by Beaux-arts and classical revival styles, this brick building, accented with terra cotta tiles, has a symmetrical design plan and a rectangular footprint. The north entry sidewalk features a center "O" topiary. From this side, the projecting center bay's two-story portico is supported by six concrete Ionic columns that are covered with terra cotta tiles. The entablature above the portico is decorated with dentil molding and other terra cotta tile decoration, such as the University of Oregon seal in the center. The terra cotta cornice and frieze continue along the entire perimeter of the building. The south entrance of Johnson Hall features a cast iron and glass awning described in Knighton's plans as "Marquise Metal." The east, west and south sides of Johnson Hall's windows are accented with green fabric awnings. These awnings are not original to the building and it is unknown if they were included in the original design intent, but they are evident in early photographs. Completed on November 8, 1915, the Administration Building, as it was originally known, was designed by William C. Knighton, Oregon’s State Architect. Costing over $100,000, it was campus’ most expensive building constructed at the time. In 1918 the Administration Building was renamed Johnson Hall after John Wesley Johnson, the first president of the University of Oregon. Ellis Lawrence is somewhat connected to this building. He advised Knighton on the design and President Campbell referred to him as "advisory architect." He also advised the University on various issues regarding this building including acoustical problems and maintaining the terra cotta "Administration Building" plaque when the building's name was changed. The placement of Johnson Hall between the Lawrence campus building projects (i.e., the Women’s Quad, Museum of Art, and Knight Library), and the Old Campus Quad, which contain the University’s first buildings, is symbolic because it stands as a transition between these two significant periods in University history. Johnson Hall’s presence, building technology, and sheer expense symbolized the University’s transition into a new era of progressive change as exemplified in the University's subsequent growth and ambitious building projects. Its applied terra cotta decoration, architectural form, and construction of reinforced concrete make this building unique to the campus at the time of its construction. Originally, Johnson Hall featured the Guild Theater and an impressive Povey Brothers stained glass skylight that covered the entire center of the second floor. The theatre was converted to office space and the glass skylights were removed when Robinson Theater was completed in 1949. The glass panels were dispersed around campus and can now be found in Johnson Hall Conference Room, Lawrence Hall, and Erb Memorial Union. Johnson Hall was the site of various student-led protests during the Vietnam Era. In fact, UO students took over Johnson Hall in 1970. Subsequently, sixty-one students were arrested. In 1984 the architectural firm of Brockmeyer McDonnell executed an exterior restoration of Johnson Hall. Among the projects included in this restoration were the removal and replacement of the roof, repair of terra cotta tiles, repointing of brickwork, resealing of windows, and patching of plasterwork. In 2004, the Project Management Group and UO Facility Services performed a historical improvements study and had several recommendations.
Open Access
Historic Resource Survey Form : Howe Field/Howe Gates and Associated Wall and Fence
(University of Oregon, 2014) Thompson, Christine; Phillips, Ann
Howe Field was constructed in 1935. It is named in honor of Herbert Crombie Howe, a professor in the English department at the University of Oregon from 1902-1940. Dr. Howe, a long-standing supporter of athletes’ rights, was a faculty representative to the Pacific Coast Conference from 1915-1959 (now PAC-12 although the correlation between the two conferences is questioned) and a member of the athletic board. In 1938, the wrought iron entrance gates, concrete wall and ticket booth, and wrought iron fence were added to the perimeter of the field from McArthur Court south to 18th Avenue. The project was largely funded by the WPA. Additional funding was provided by donations from the classes of 1918, 1919, 1930, and 1936 along with the Soldiers’ Memorial fund and the Associated Students of the University of Oregon (ASUO). The University of Oregon baseball team played at Howe Field until 1981 when the program was cut due to budgetary restrictions. The University of Oregon softball team began playing on the field in 1987 and continues to play there today. The first baseball club at the University of Oregon was organized in 1877. A general lack of interest in the sport prevented a University sponsored program until the autumn of 1905 when the sport of baseball was adopted as a regular college activity. Over the years, baseball games have been played in numerous locations including the northeast corner of 13th Avenue and Kincaid Street, in the area directly south of Hayward Field, and finally at Howe Field, then called “Anonymous Field” beginning in 1935. “Anonymous Field” was named Howe Field in the spring of 1936.