The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Manzanita Building

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Manzanita Building (front facade), Prescott College

Manzanita Building (three-quarter view), Prescott College

Manzanita Building (rear view), Prescott College

Institution Name: Prescott College
Original/Historic Place Name: Sisters of Mercy Hospital Convent
Location on Campus: 220 Grove Ave.
Date(s) of Construction:

1915	original construction Elliot, W. S.

Designer: W. S. Elliot
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Other (Glossary)
Significance: architecture
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: concrete

Walls: brick

Roof: formed metal tile roof

Function:

ca. 1915	chapel
ca. 1915	infirmary (hospital)
ca. 1915	residence hall
ca. 2004-present (2006)	classroom
ca. 2004-present (2006)	student union (bookstore and classroom/meeting room)
ca. 2004-present (2006)	administration

Narrative:
This building is part of the original Mercy Hospital complex that for years was the territory's only major health care facility. In 1915, construction began on quarters adjoining the hospital for the Sisters of Mercy, who ran the facility. A rectory and Chapel were built first, then a visitation house where friends and relatives of patients could rest, and last a dormitory for the Sisters. The structures were built in the Romanesque revival style of architecture. A fire destroyed most of the original Mercy Hospital building in June 1940, leaving only the convent tripartite as evidence of the past establishment.

The Manzanita Building is significant for the cultural, humanitarian, and medical service that the Sisters of Mercy contributed to the community of Prescott and for the integrity of the original structure.

References: