The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Jesse Hall

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Jesse Hall (front facade, view from the north), Concordia University (NE)

Jesse Hall (rear view, from the south), Concordia University (NE)

Institution Name: Concordia University (NE)
Original/Historic Place Name: Jesse Hall
Location on Campus: 800 N. Columbia Ave
Date(s) of Construction:

1924	original construction; May 1924

Designer: unknown
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Gothic revival, Beaux-Arts classicism (Glossary)
Significance: architecture, education
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: brick

Walls: concrete masonry

Roof:

Function:

1924-1987	residence hall
ca. 2004-present (2006)	student union (photo lab and student newspaper office)
ca. 2004-present (2006)	faculty offices
ca. 2004-present (2006)	other (computer lab)
ca. 2004-present (2006)	classrooms
ca. 2004-present (2006)	museum (Marxhausen Art Gallery)

Narrative:
Jesse Hall was built in 1924. The building is named for Rev. F.W.C. Jesse, Concordia's second President. The building was originally constructed as a dormitory. Currently, the building houses the Marxhausen Art Gallery, classrooms, offices, photography lab and studio. Jesse Hall has a concrete column and beam framework with a concrete pan joist floor system for both the first and second floors. The foundation walls are constructed of cast in place concrete columns with brick veneer.

References:

Campus Master Plan. January 2001. Archives, Concordia University, Seward, NE.

Moulds, Kristine M. Generations of Sowers Sharing the Word: A Centennial History of Concordia College, Seward, Nebraska. Virginia Beach, VA: Donning Co., c1994.