UO | Friendly Hall
Through a carefully considered renovation, Friendly Hall is being transformed into a vibrant center that bridges historic legacy with a globally connected future.
Originally built in 1893, with additions in 1909 and 1914, Friendly Hall stands prominently on the University of Oregon’s historic Old Campus Quad. As the University’s first residence hall, it holds deep historical and cultural significance. Now undergoing a comprehensive renovation, the building is being thoughtfully reimagined to support the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages (SGSL), preparing students to engage with diverse cultures and languages in an increasingly interconnected world.
The renovation addresses decades of deferred maintenance while honoring the building’s architectural legacy and unlocking its potential for future academic use.
Key upgrades include the full replacement of outdated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, new connections to central campus utilities, and seismic reinforcement of unreinforced masonry, ensuring long-term safety and performance. The basement is being fully excavated to create new programmable space, and existing rooftop equipment will be relocated to sub-grade areas, preserving the building’s historic character. A new roof diaphragm enhances seismic resilience and supports the transformation of outdated 1960s dormers into bright, functional office spaces. A newly designed southeast entrance provides a universally accessible, welcoming arrival experience, reconnecting Friendly Hall to primary campus pathways and the larger university community.
Interior spaces are being redesigned to foster openness, adaptability, and collaboration. New student hubs and gathering areas reflect the school’s commitment to human-centered learning, creating vibrant settings where students can engage in cross-cultural dialogue and develop as global citizens and future leaders.
This transformative project breathes new life into a cherished campus landmark, creating a modern, inclusive, and high-performing academic home that honors Friendly Hall’s legacy while advancing UO’s global mission for generations of Ducks to come.
- Pam Saftler, Mandy Butler, Elisa Rocha, Jessica Pearre, Flo Woodbury, Erik Dorsett, Eric Li, Mark Williams, John Gonzales
In 1961, the attic of Friendly Hall underwent a renovation to create additional office space. As part of the project, dormers were added and the staircase was extended to reach the newly occupied fourth floor. However, because this renovation occurred after the building’s period of historical significance, the existing dormers are not considered historically integral and can now be reimagined to better meet modern needs.
A new dormer design has been proposed, aiming to enhance both function and appearance. The design consolidates the windows into longer, continuous banks, creating a more open and efficient space plan that aligns with the University of Oregon’s Space Type guidelines. This configuration also allows more natural light to enter the upper floor, improving the overall work environment.
Visually, the updated dormers are designed to reflect the building’s original symmetry by aligning with the stacked windows on the historic facade. Structurally, the redesign also strengthens the roof diaphragm, contributing to the building’s overall integrity. To better honor the historic character of Friendly Hall, the exterior will feature detailed woodwork and new operable wood windows. The new design also eliminates downspouts that currently obstruct the dormer windows, further cleaning up the building’s appearance. Throughout, care has been taken to preserve the distinctive shape of the original mansard roof, maintaining a respectful balance between old and new.
After evaluating Friendly Hall’s strengths and spatial limitations, the design team recommended a building expansion to the northeast. While early studies considered excavating the full basement to gain space, this option proved more expensive than new construction. Expanding the footprint allows for more cost-effective, flexible, and efficient floor plates that better support program needs.
To ensure a thoughtful integration with the historic structure, multiple massing studies were conducted. The final design steps the new facade back from the east elevation to reveal the original corner quoins and introduces a vertical band that clearly defines the transition between old and new, offering a respectful and deliberate connection.
The facade draws inspiration from the historic architecture without direct imitation. Brick is used in a similar pattern with a clearly defined base, middle, and top. Vertically stacked windows maintain the original building’s proportions, while a soldier course of brick replaces the traditional concrete belly band. A simplified cornice at the roofline provides a subtle nod to the historic detailing.
