Historic Resource Survey Form : Columbia Hall
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Date
2006
Authors
Johnson, Susan
Mertz, Kathleen
Mendoca, Elise
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
This building was built in 1960 as an extension of the growing science division on campus. Early reports show it to house the geology
program, which had split from the geography program in 1958. While the creative writing program is currently housed in this building,
interior exhibits and classroom configurations confirm its continued use by the geology department. This building also houses the
largest lecture hall on the University of Oregon campus in the western portion. The building plans refer to it as the south wing, or first
addition of “Science One” which is the former name of Pacific Hall. Laboratory facilities were installed in all of the classrooms to
accommodate use by the science departments. The former men’s gymnasium occupied the site. Campus myth claims that the mosaic
tiles from the swimming pool that was demolished were incorporated into the design on the north facade but there is no documentary
evidence to confirm this rumor. The east facade and a portion of the south facade include basement level light wells, with simple, pipe
metal safety railings. The south lobby’s southern facade is a granite slab with glass doors on the east and west ends. The south
loggia includes two brick posts and a basalt rock sculpture, by Steve Gillman, attached to the interior wall. Shrubbery is planted along
the south, east and north facades. Trees are planted in planter boxes along the west side. It is three stories, including basement level,
of classrooms and offices in the eastern portion. There is a belt course between the first and second floors along the eastern portion.
All of the windows are metal vertical paired casements over a horizontal hopper. While mainly a freestanding brick building, it is
connected to Pacific via a second story bridge on the north side. Decorative brick work is incorporated into the perimeter Science Walk
sidewalk along the northeast corner. This is part of the “science walk” installed in 1982. The building is sited at the corner of University
Street and 13th Avenue.
This building is less than fifty years old and has limited significance. However, this building should be further researched and reevaluated
once it reaches 50 years old. Given its excellent integrity but low significance relative to other campus buildings, it is ranked
as a tertiary resource.
Description
4 pages
Keywords
architecture, history, cultural resources survey