Historic Resource Survey Form : Condon Hall
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Date
2006
Authors
Johnson, Susan
Helwick, Sarah
Steverson, Erica
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Built in the Mediterranean style, Condon Hall was designed by Ellis Lawrence. The original portion is a two-story brick building with a
rectangular footprint. From the main east entry, terra cotta tiles create a Roman arch that is supported by pilasters. The carved wood,
metal and glass door, surrounding pilasters and arch emphasize the center projecting bay and symmetrical rhythm. Ornamental brick
bands below the cornice and elaborate terra cotta tiles on top of the parapet frame a terra cotta cornice. Brick patterns, including
basket-weave motif, accent the upper windows. An addition, completed in 1967, is connected to the south side of the building and is
set back from Memorial Quadrangle. The International Style addition is a three-story building with an irregular footprint. The horizontal
bands of windows are set within a concrete frame emphasizing its International stylistic characteristics. A sunken courtyard with a
ramp in front of the south addition and to the south of the original structure provides a universally accessible route.
Condon Hall was named for Thomas Condon, famed Oregon geologist and one of the University's first professors. It originally housed
the departments of geology, geography, and psychology. Additionally, it was also the temporary home to part of the U of O library until
Knight Library was built. Today, Condon houses Geography, Anthropology, and Environmental Science departments. Condon Hall
was originally intended as the north wing of a larger building that would house the science department. This plan was abandoned in
the 1940's, and the 1967 south addition did not utilize the brick knock-out panel that Lawrence provided. This addition is stylistically
similar to the adjacent Prince Lucien Campbell Hall and was designed by the same architectural firm. In stark contrast to the stylistic
characteristics of the original building, an exterior, semi-enclosed stairway replaced the original fire escape in 1974.
Condon Hall is an architecturally distinctive work, one of six Ellis Lawrence designed buildings on the main University quadrangle,
known as Memorial Quadrangle (includes Condon Hall, Knight Library, Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, Chapman Hall, Peterson Hall
and Gilbert Hall). So, not only was Condon designed by a significant Oregon architect and a man important to campus planning and
the history of the architecture program at the U of O, the building is located in a place crucial to the story of the campus’ development
under Lawrence. That is, it is an integral member of an ensemble of buildings referred to as one of Lawrence's greatest works.
Condon Hall is in good condition and has good integrity. The south addition and western fire escape alteration do not detract from
Condon's presence in the Memorial Quadrangle. Because of its significant connection to Ellis Lawrence and its contribution to the
integrity of Memorial Quadrangle, Condon Hall is eligible individually for the National Register and is ranked as a primary resource.
Description
5 pages
Keywords
cultural resources survey, architecture, history