Waldschmidt Hall

Waldschmidt Hall ( originally West Hall ) is an academic purposes serving buildings of the University of Portland in Portland, Oregon. Built in 1891 the building was originally part of the now -defunct Portland University and is located in the north of Portland overlooking the willamette river. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 22, 1977, renovated in 1992. In the same year it received the name Waldschmidt Hall. In the oldest building on the campus of the University administrative offices of the University as well as some classrooms are housed.

History

Members of the Methodist Episcopal Church founded in Portland 1891 Portland University and started the collection of funds for the operation of the school. This year, the University was at an estimated cost of 32,500 (2009: 824,000 ) U.S. dollars to build the five-story building. First, the only building on campus, it had residential rooms, lecture halls and a chapel. The Portland University had financial problems and was forced to leave the area in 1896, after the establishment had not paid loan installments. The campus with West Hall was returned to the former owners of the land.

Archbishop Alexander Christie purchased in 1901 the campus with the building in exchange for two property of the church, plus one dollar to build a Catholic school. In September 1901, the Columbia University with West Hall was opened as a single building. The school changed its name in 1935 in University of Portland.

West Hall has been classified by the city of Portland in 1970 as a historically significant property and in 1977 entered in the National Register of Historic Places. In 1990, the renovation of the property was started to bring it up to date building codes and prevent decay. In this case, lowering walls and ceilings were replaced and the building reinforced to make it earthquake-proof. The 5.5 million dollar project used the original plans and old photographs to preserve the original appearance of the building and the atmosphere. Other measures included the creation of a barrier- free access, the replacement of windows and the restoration of hardwood plank flooring. The renewal work was partly funded by private donations and completed in October 1993.

In October 1992 the University gave the building the new name Waldschmidt Hall, which the former president of the University, Paul Waldschmidt, was honored. Since the renovation of the building of the university administration offices and some classrooms are housed therein. On 1 May 2001, the United States Postal Service dedicated to the centenary of the University of a postcard, was shown on the Waldschmidt Hall. The computer- generated image of the building is part of a series with historical monuments and was designed by John Pirman.

Einzelheiten

Frederick Manson White, Richard H. Martin, Jr. and William F. McCaw was the original architect of the building. Built in the Romanesque Revival style building of brick is decorated on the outside with pieces made of cast iron. The shape of the building is inspired by Sever Hall at Harvard, and has a wide provided with a dome entrance.

The interior of the extensive 2790 sqm building is largely made ​​of wood - the walls are paneled in cherry wood, the floor is made of oak planks, the staircase is also built of wood. The furniture is modern.