The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Jernigan Building

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Jernigan Building (front facade), Queens University of Charlotte

Jernigan Building (side view), Queens University of Charlotte

Institution Name: Queens University of Charlotte
Original/Historic Place Name: Conservatory of Music (1914-1924), Ninniss Music Building (1924-1963), Jernigan Student Center (1963-1989)
Location on Campus: Building 24
Date(s) of Construction:

1914	original construction Hook, C. C.
1963	interior remodeled
1976	remodeled
1990	remodeled

Designer: C. C. Hook (Charlotte, NC)
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Beaux-Arts classicism, Other (Glossary)
Significance: architecture, culture, history
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: masonry

Walls: brick exterior, plaster interior

Roof: Ludwitchi tile

Function:

ca. 1914	auditorium
ca. 1914	academic department building (conservatory of music)
ca. 1914-1950	chapel
1963-1989	student union
ca. 2004-present (2006)	administration

Narrative:
This is one of the original five buildings designed by C. C. Hook. (Hook was inventive in his adaptation of stylistic effects for an eclectic approach to the Georgian style; the building has the same stylistic adaptations as Burwell.) Originally it housed the Conservatory of Music, and the auditorium on one side of the building featured a pipe organ on stage. Chapel services were held here, as well as all the musical recitals. Although the exterior looks untouched, the interior was completely remodeled in 1963. It functioned as a student center from 1963-1989. The post office, snack bar, day student lounges, and offices of student government and student publications were housed here until the 1980s. In the 1990s the snack bar closed, and the drama department used the space for the Black Box Theatre. When the post office moved, the first floor was remodeled as office space for the business office, the student bank, human resources, financial aid and registrar. Jernigan was named in honor of former President Dr. Charlton C. Jernigan, who taught at the University of North Carolina Greensboro and Florida State University in their classics departments before coming to Queens. He was President for two years before he died in office. During his administration, two new buildings were erected, a number were remodeled, and the students were actively involved in campus life. He gave them a vision for the College. Since 1963, the building has been renovated twice, in 1976 and 1990.

References:

Bishir, Catherine, et. al. Architects and Builders in North Carolina: A History of the Practice of Building. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 1990.

Hankin, Lisa Bush. "Charles Christian Hook." Online (2006). Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission. Queens University of Charlotte, Charlotte, NC. http://www.cmhpf.org/educationhook.htm

John Nolen Papers. 1890-1938, 1954-1960. Division of Rare & Manuscript Collections, Kroch Library, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.

Kratt, Mary Norton, and Thomas W. Hanchett. Legacy: The Myers Park Story. Charlotte, NC: Myers Park Foundation, 1986.

McEwen, Mildred Morse. Queens College, Yesterday and Today. Charlotte, NC: Queens College Alumnae Association, 1980.