The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Fondren Hall

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Fondren Hall (bookstore), St. Edward's University

Fondren Hall (side view), St. Edward's University

Fondren Hall (marker), St. Edward's University

Institution Name: St. Edward's University
Original/Historic Place Name: Natatorium
Location on Campus: Moody Dr.
Date(s) of Construction:

1895	original construction
1922	rebuilt after tornado

Designer: unknown
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Regionalist/Vernacular (Glossary)
Significance: architecture, education, history
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: coursed rubble limestone

Walls: coursed rubble limestone

Roof: metal shingle

Function:

ca. 1895-1970	other (indoor swimming pool)
ca. 1970	other (storage)
ca. 1970	other (student lounge/Rathskeller)
ca. 2004-present (2006)	other (bookstore)

Narrative:
Fondren Hall was originally built as the Natatorium in the early 1890's. It was severely damaged by a tornado in 1922 but was rebuilt and continued its use as a natatorium until 1970. It was used for storage until its conversion into a student activity center and then the campus bookstore.

A two-story coursed rubble building with segmental arches on the north, east and west facades, Fondren Hall is a load-bearing limestone structure. The floor is a concrete slab and there are various levels and wooden platforms that separate the interior space. The roof is framed with wood and features a series of large wooden trusses as the main structural support. The first floor is approximately 1,450 gross square feet. The west façade is attached to the 1940's auditorium-armory building.

References:

Bell, Klein & Hoffman, Architects and Restoration Consultants. Saint Edward's University: A Presentation Analysis for Five Older Campus Buildings. Austin, TX: Bell, Klein & Hoffman, Architects and Restoration Consultants, 1981.

Dunn, William H. Saint Edward's University: A Centennial History. Austin, TX: Saint Edward's University Press, 1986.

Wright, Jane Candy. "College Boomlet II: Universities Prepare for 2009 - The Largest High School Graduating Class Ever." Architecture 93 (September 2004): 37-40.