The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Devereux Hall

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Devereux Hall (view from the south), St. Bonaventure University

Devereux Hall (detail, roof), St. Bonaventure University

Devereux Hall (detail, frieze), St.Bonaventure University

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

1932	original construction Oakley, Chester

Designer: Chester Oakley
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Other (Glossary)
Significance: architecture
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: concrete

Walls: brick

Roof: terra cotta tile

Function:

ca. 1932	other (seminary)
ca. 1932	chapel
ca. 1932	dining hall
ca. 2004-present (2006)	other (offices)
ca. 2004-present (2006)	classrooms
ca. 2004-present (2006)	residence hall

Narrative:
Devereux Hall was built in 1929 as a dormitory for the growing college. After a catastrophic fire in 1930 destroyed most of the other college buildings, Devereux was immediately expanded to its present size to house the displaced population. The building was designed by noted Buffalo architect Chester Oakley, in a highly decorated brick style based upon Florentine architecture. The design incorporates a variety of unique terra cotta icons representing historical figures and the branches of education. Together with the surrounding buildings also designed by Oakley, the dormitory creates a unique environment that is a tangible link to the Italy of St. Francis and St. Bonaventure. A plaque in the building identifies the room once occupied by noted theologian and author Thomas Merton. The name of the building commemorates Nicholas Devereux, whose gift of land and other support led to the founding of St. Bonaventure College in 1858.

References:

Angelo, Mark V. The History of St. Bonaventure University. St. Bonaventure: Franciscan Institute, 1961.

Cummings, Frank. "Devereux Hall." The Laurel [ca. 1927?].

Eaton, Betty. Chester Oakley: His Work on the St. Bonaventure University Campus. Term paper. Spring 1983. Archives, St. Bonaventure College, St. Bonaventure, NY.

Enright, L. V. "Architecture and Symbolism." The Laurel. [n.d.].

Herscher, Irenaeus, attr. "Description of Symbolism." Typescript. Archives, St. Bonaventure College, St. Bonaventure, NY.

Herscher, Irenaeus, attr. "Jewels in Our Crown: Welcome to the St. Bonaventure University Campus." Archives, St. Bonaventure College, St. Bonaventure, NY.

O'Neill, Megan. "Buildings of Saint Bonaventure." Online (2006). St. Bonaventure College, St. Bonaventure, NY. http://web.sbu.edu/friedsam/archives/studentpages/buildings/Index.htm

Toland, R. J. "Devereux Hall." The Laurel 28 (1926): 386-89.