Historic Resource Survey Form : Walton Hall Complex

5 pagesWalton Hall was built in the period after WWII in response to effects of the baby boom, which increased student enrollment at the University. It was built along with the Earl (1954-55), Hamilton (1962), and Bean Complexes (1964). The original name of the residence hall was changed from George Rebec Hall to Joshua J. Walton Hall in 1958 after the members of Rebec House protested the use of the same name. Joshua J. Walton was a Eugene city judge and served on the Board of Regents from its inception, from 1872 – 1906. The design concept of Walton, according to then Housing Director, H.P. Barnhart, was based on the idea of creating small unit living with large unit management. This meant a centralized kitchen, but separate dining halls in each unit; additionally, a recreation room, snack machines and laundry facilities in the basement for the entire complex, but individual lounges in each separate unit. The unit design of Walton also allowed the University to house both men and women in the same complex, but in different units. At one point in time, men were housed in Adams, Clark, DeCou Halls and women in the remaining seven halls. The design concept also included the idea of outdoor living, providing residents with easy access to outdoor patios through sliding glass doors from the lounge areas