Historic Resource Survey Form : Knight Library

6 pagesEllis Fuller Lawrence’s original plan called for an auditorium to be built in this site, as the termination of the south axis and most important building in his beaux-arts plan. The axis extended from the auditorium to Dad’s Gates and beyond to the train station. However, the decision was made by President Hall to build a library in its place. The library was funded by the Public Works Administration (“PWA”) and the Works Progress Administration (“WPA”) program funds and is representative of the last surge of building before WWII. The library has been referred to as Oregon’s best example of integrated art and architecture. It is the most fully executed of Lawrence’s buildings incorporating sculpture, painting and metalwork, much done by students, graduates and professors. Much of the interior artwork is mostly intact. The building’s name was changed in 1994 to honor Phillip Knight, President and CEO of Nike, Inc and a University of Oregon alum. Knight Library, along with the Memorial Quad, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 9, 1990. The original Lawrence building from 1937 was nominated and listed and the 1950 and 1966 additions were listed as non-contributing. At the time the National Park Service accepted the building, the 1994 addition had yet to be built. The library was listed under criteria A and C: it was listed under A because it was funded by Public Works Administration funds and listed under C as a significant element in Lawrence’s Beaux Arts plan and for the fine craftsmanship displayed on the exterior and interior of the library. The original portion of the building is listed in the nomination as Beaux Arts Eclecticism while the additions are Modernistic. Some elements of the original design reflect a “moderne” character including the decorative motifs, and functional elements such as entrance lanterns