Case Western Reserve University Architecture

As usual, whenever I find something that interests me, I check it out online as soon as I can.  After visiting Case Western Reserve University, I began searching the internet for the names of the buildings and I found a lot of information on the university website.  There were details about many of the buildings including when they were built, the original purpose, and the current use.

The eclectic mix of architectural styles at Case Western Reserve University was interesting and beautiful.  There was a wide range of styles, yet they were done in a way that blended together into a cohesive unit on campus, except for one anomaly, the Peter B. Lewis building.  Completed in 2002, it was designed by famed architect Frank Gehry and is a controversy on campus.  As we met in front of the building, we discussed it style, which was difficult to name.  Most people didn’t like it and felt it was out of place on campus. 

My favorite building was Guildford House, part of an area known as the Mather Quad.  It was built in 1892 with a south wing addition in 1894.  The entire cost of construction, including the addition, was covered by Flora Stone Mather. It was first built as a women’s dormitory and is currently housing the English department.  It was painted a sunny yellow and was a beautiful home away from home for young women attending school away from home.

Another building on the Mather Quad is Haydn Hall, designed by distinguished Cleveland architect, Charles F. Schweinfurth. It is described as Collegiate Gothic and built as dormitory and classrooms in 1901.  The building has a prominent center tower and castellations, but my favorite feature is the main doorway. The doors have a low, pointed arch, with square glass panes.  They are surrounded by side lights and transom in matching square panes.  The stone work is very detailed with the name of the building embossed over the doorway.

The Florence Harkness Memorial Chapel, completed in 1902, was also designed by Charles F. Schweinfurth.  It was originally designated as a place for studying the Bible and is now used by the music department.  The CWRU website calls it neo-Gothic style.  I particularly appreciated the interior features even though we didn’t get to see very much.  The fireplace and light fixtures in the lobby area are beautiful.

This is a photo looking straight up into the tower showing another beautiful light fixture, detailed stone work around the windows and the paneled ceiling.