Historic Resource Survey Form : Earl Hall Complex

4 pagesThe Earl Complex, also identified as Virgil D. Earl Hall, was completed in 1955 as an addition to Straub Hall. The design reflects the International style popular in the post-war period. This complex was named for Virgil D. Earl, University of Oregon alumnus and Athletic Director (1923-31) as well as Dean of Men (1931-45). Earl Hall is comprised of units named for former faculty: Edgar McClure (Chemistry), Davis Walter Morton (first dean of Administration), Frederick George Young (first dean of Graduate School), Orin Fletcher Stafford (Chemistry Department head), Henry Davidson Sheldon (founder of Oregon State Teachers Assoc., first dean of School of Education). It was built as a dormitory to house incoming freshmen men, including five separate units for 330 students. There have been minor renovations over the life of the building, including the restoration of the exterior tile wall portions in 1983 and 1985. This restoration included the removal and replacement “in-kind” of broken and cracked tiles. In 1985, the entire interior was painted. In 1991, the entire building was re-roofed. It is used for coed housing today. Dining and kitchen facilities are no longer situated in the complex. The former dining rooms have been converted into a lounge space in each of the 5 units. Laundry facilities have also been incorporated into the basements. Most recently (2005), Earl Hall has received universal accessibility alterations (ADA elevator, partial removal of covered walkway). This building is sited between the Emerald Axis, 15th Avenue Axis and Promenade and it is connected to Straub Hall. While this building has continuity of use, has good integrity, and is in good condition, it does not meet any of the criteria of significance for listing on the National Register. It has been ranked as a non-contributing resource due to its very low significance compared to other campus buildings