Historic Resource Survey Form : McArthur Court
Date
2006
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
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.
Description
4 pages
Keywords
cultural resources survey, architecture, history