Memorial Union Building - Oregon State University National Historic District - Corvallis, OR - NRHP Historic Districts - Contributing Buildings on Waymarking.com

Located along SW Jefferson Way is the Memorial Union Building, erected in 1926 and listed as site #83 in the Oregon State University National Historic District. The following verbiage is taken from the Oregon Historic Sites Database website (link below) to describe this building's history:

Architectural History:
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.

Background History
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.

Memorial Union has had extensive interior remodeling performed over the years, particularly in the west food services part of the building. The east end of the building was once home to the OSU Bookstore before it was relocated to a new building across from Gill Coliseum.

Name of Historic District (as listed on the NRHP): Oregon State University National Historic District Link to nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com page with the Historic District: [Web Link] NRHP Historic District Waymark (Optional): [Web Link] Address: 2501 SW Jefferson Way Oregon State University Corvallis, OR How did you determine the building to be a contributing structure?: Narrative found on the internet (Link provided below) Optional link to narrative or database: [Web Link]

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