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Building and Program History
Following World War I, Oregon State University’s student population increased, creating a need for housing on campus. In 1928, construction on an all men’s dormitory began. After six months and $414,000, the structure was complete. The original plans called for a whole quadrangle of residence halls anchored by Weatherford. However, due to the Depression, funding was not available to complete the project, and only Weatherford was built.
Initially, the dormitory was divided onto five connected buildings separated by firewalls. The tower was named after James K. Weatherford, a prominent defense attorney in Oregon and an influential member of the OAC Board of Regents. The rest of the wings honored Austin T. Buxton, Thomas J. Cauthorn, Curtis L. Hawley, and Daniel V. Poling. In 1957, the firewalls were removed and thereafter the building was known as Weatherford Hall.
In the early 1990s, leaks and outdated pipes started taking their toll on the building. In light of the building’s physical state students were allowed to modify their living spaces by creating built-in aquariums, high bed lofts, staircases, and even painting their rooms and doors to reflect the times. Legend has it that a group of innovative students hooked up one of the first “intranet” systems allowing residents to link up their computers and share printers. Due to the condition of the building, Weatherford Hall closed in 1994.
Following a $20 million renovation, Weatherford Hall reopened in 2004, under a new name, Weatherford Residential College. Weatherford Residential College is home of The Austin Entrepreneurship Program, named after Ken and Joan Austin, founders of A-dec, American’s largest dental equipment manufacturer. The Program provides 290 students with a unique opportunity to participate in a residential entrepreneurial environment which enhances their university education and career development.
Then and Now
| FACTS |
1928 |
2003-2004 |
| Architect |
Bennes & Herzog, Portland, Oregon |
SERA Architects, Portland, Oregon |
| Contractor |
L.N.Traver, Corvallis, Oregon |
Howard S. Wright Construction Co. |
| Cost |
$414,000 |
$20 million |
| Ground Breaking |
March 20, 1928 |
September 2004 |
| Construction Time |
6 months |
21 months |
| Occupancy |
334 residents |
290 residents |
| Square Footage |
105,090 sq. ft. |
79,000 sq. ft. | |
