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Oregon Historic Sites Database

address:2501 SW Jefferson Way historic name:Memorial Union Bldg
Corvallis, Benton County (97331) current/other names:
assoc addresses:
block/lot/tax lot:
location descr: twnshp/rng/sect/qtr sect:11S 5W 34
resource type:Building height (stories): total elig resources: total inelig resources:
elig evaluation: eligible/significant NR Status: Listed in Historic District
prim constr date:1928 second date:1960 date indiv listed:
primary orig use: orig use comments:
second orig use:
primary style: Neo-Classical prim style comments:
secondary style: sec style comments:
primary siding: Standard Brick siding comments:
secondary siding: Stone:Other/Undefined
plan type: School (General) architect:Thomas, Lee
builder:
comments/notes:
Survey/Grouping Included In: Type of Grouping Date Listed Date Compiled
   College Hill West Nomination Survey Survey & Inventory Project 2000
   Oregon State University Historic District Listed Historic District 06/25/2008 2007
Farmstead/Cluster Name:Oregon State University
NR date listed: N/A
ILS survey date:
RLS survey date: 05/16/2007
106 Project(s): None
Special Assess Project(s): None
Federal Tax Project(s): None
(Includes expanded description of the building/property, setting, significant landscape features, outbuildings and alterations)
The Memorial Union is a three-story, 303,512 square foot, Neoclassical building made of red brick with white cast stone. Granite steps lead up to a broad mezzanine-level platform in the building’s front, with a 35’ wide terrace, bordered by a stone balustrade, extending the length of the building. The building has a slightly hipped roof with a domed rotunda atop the central, projecting pavilion. The rotunda is made of white-glazed terra-cotta laid over the reinforced concrete dome. The pavilion features four columns, two on each side of a 28’, arched bronze entryway with glass panels. The pavilion has a parapet with dentils on its projecting cornice. The building is symmetrical, with the front of the building featuring twelve Tuscan columns on either side of the pavilion, and two pilaster strips beyond them. The building’s sides are also adorned with pilasters, totaling six on each side. Alterations: The Memorial Union Building has undergone numerous renovations to keep up with modern needs. On ground level, below the lounge, a ballroom and stage were completed in 1940. New wings were constructed on the east and west sides of the building in 1960 for the Bookstore and Commons. In 1979 a west-end stairway was added, as well as a below ground loading ramp, and bathrooms were updated. In 1980 the building was updated for handicapped access. Other changes to the building include the addition of acoustical tile, recessed lighting, vinyl wall covering, copper gutters, and sprinkler systems. There was extensive renovation in the 1990s, including two phases of interior upgrades in 1997-98.. Landscape: The Memorial Union is near the center of campus, on the south side of OSU’s central quad. It’s front entrance opens to an expanse of grass. It’s back side is bordered by Jefferson Way. Setting: The Memorial Union is on the OSU main campus, in the center of Sector C. Alterations: 1960: Bookstore (East Wing) and Commons (West Wing) added; 1990's Extensive renovation; 1997-98 2 phases of interior upgrades.
(Chronological, descriptive history of the property from its construction through at least the historic period - preferably to the present)
Oregon State University created the Memorial Union Building as a combined student center and memorial in 1928. The idea for the building came in 1920, following the armistice of World War I. Student unions were gaining popularity at American universities in the early 1900s and OSU students wanted one of their own, and to honor the service people who died in the Spanish-American War and WWI. Students and faculty were very excited for the new building. Fundraising began quickly, with students initiating a $3 per term fee for the new building in 1923. By 1926, a fundraising campaign had garnered nearly $700,000, with more than $100,000 coming from students and faculty. Construction on the grand building was completed in 1928 and the Memorial Union quickly became the center of campus life. The building still functions as a student union. It is a popular building, unofficially known as the campus “living room,” and is used for numerous activities, including student/faculty discussions, art exhibits, study groups, and recreation.
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