The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Francis Hall

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Francis Hall (general view, from the west), St. Bonaventure University

Francis Hall (chapel entrance), St. Bonaventure University

Institution Name: St. Bonaventure University
Original/Historic Place Name: Christ the King Seminary
Location on Campus:
Date(s) of Construction:

1952	original construction Baumann, Cajetan

Designer: Brother Cajetan Baumann, O.F.M.
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Romanesque revival, Modern/post-WWII, Other (Glossary)
Significance: architecture
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: concrete

Walls: brick

Roof: terra cotta tile

Function:

ca. 1952	other (seminary)
ca. 1952	chapel
ca. 1952	dining hall
ca. 1952-present (2006)	other (offices)
ca. 1952-present (2006)	classrooms
1952-present (2006)	residence hall

Narrative:
Francis Hall was built in 1952 to house the Christ the King Seminary, which was independent of St. Bonaventure University. It was designed by Brother Cajetan Baumann, O.F.M., a noted church architect and Franciscan Friar, in the same Florentine style that predominated on the University campus. Its dramatic raised setting, backed by trees and hills and fronted by an enormous lawn, has made it an emblem of the University for the entire region. As with the rest of the campus, its architecture provides a tangible link with the Italy of St. Francis and St. Bonaventure.

References:

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

"Chapel of New Christ the King Seminary." Lake Shore Visitor, October 31, 1952.

"Christ the King Seminary, Which Will Be Dedicated Monday, Tuesday." Olean (NY) Times Herald, November 8, 1952.

"Contract Let for Completion of Christ the King Seminary." Olean (NY) Times Herald, July 22, 1950.

Plassman, Thomas. Christ the King Seminary. St. Bonaventure, NY: Christ the King Seminary, 195?.