The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Doyle Hall

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Doyle Hall (general view, with campanile), St. Bonaventure University

Doyle Hall (front facade), St. Bonaventure University

Institution Name: St. Bonaventure University
Original/Historic Place Name: Doyle Hall
Location on Campus:
Date(s) of Construction:

ca. 1960

original construction Baumann, Cajetan

Designer: Brother Cajetan Baumann
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Modern/post-WWII (Glossary)
Significance: architecture, religion
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: concrete

Walls: brick

Roof: terra cotta tile: flat roof membranes

Function:

ca. 1960-present (2006)	other (offices and meeting rooms)
ca. 1960-present (2006)	chapel
ca. 1960-present (2006)	residence hall (on-campus friary of Franciscans)

Narrative:
Doyle Hall was built in 1960 to serve as the friary, or residence, for the on-campus contingent of Franciscan friars. It incorporates a dormitory and related spaces, but of the greatest architectural interest is the Chapel wing. This was designed by the noted church architect and Franciscan friar, Brother Cajetan Baumann, O.F.M., to incorporate a majestic, airy space within an exterior consistent with the ornate Florentine architecture of the main part of the campus. Exterior decoration includes a bell tower and various painted reliefs. Interior decoration includes stained glass windows representing scenes from the life of St. Bonaventure, and a dramatic terra cotta reredos representing St. Bonaventure and St. Francis.

References:

Dedication Program. Booklet. [St. Bonaventure, NY: St. Bonaventure College], 1961.

[Herscher, Irenaeus.] "Jewels in Our Crown: Welcome to the St. Bonaventure University Campus." St. Bonaventure, NY.

Marcil, George. "The St. Bonaventure University Chapel." Typescript. Archives, St. Bonaventure University, St. Bonaventure, NY.

"Novel Backdrop Adds Artistic Touches To Elaborate Chapel." Bona Venture, May 25, 1962, St. Bonaventure University, Bonaventure, NY, 8.

Re-Dedication Booklet. [St. Bonaventure, NY: St. Bonaventure College], 1983.