THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON

Mechanical Hall

	This image shows the Architecture Building (left), the Gymnasium (center), and Mechanical Hall (right). Lawrence Hall now occupies this site and incorporates some of the older buildings. Source: Oregana.

Architect: Edgar Lazarus

History

Mechanical Hall, designed by Portland architect Edgar Lazarus, was among the first buildings on campus when it opened in 1901. Part of this building, where engineering courses were taught, also housed UO's heating plant. Sometimes refered to as Commerce, Sociology, or Engineering Building as it housed those programs before its use became dedicated to architecture.

Mechanical Hall and a parallel structure were linked by William Knighton and formed the nucleus of a structure substantially enhanced by architect Ellis F. Lawrence. Mechanical Hall, now stuccoed and without a cupola, can still be seen as the northwest part of Lawrence Hall.