The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Goodwin Kirk Residence Hall Complex

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Goodwin Kirk Residence Hall Complex, Drake University

Institution Name: Drake University
Original/Historic Place Name: Men's Dormitory
Location on Campus: SW corner of campus
Date(s) of Construction:

1965	original construction Harry Weese & Associates

Designer: Harry Weese & Associates
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Modern/post-WWII (Glossary)
Significance: architecture
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: concrete

Walls: pre-cast concrete panels and brick veneer

Roof: tar and aggregate with concrete slab, built up roof

Function:

1965-present (2006)

residence halls (men)

Narrative:
Built in 1962 and designed by the famous architect, Harry Weese, Goodwin Kirk Residence Hall is not only a model of exemplary architecture on Drake University's campus, but it also marks an important time in the growth of this academic institution.

Following WWII and the surge of young men returning to the states from war, hundreds of universities across the nation, including Drake, received a sudden boom in student enrollment. This increase in student population, largely due to the government-funded G.I. Bill, greatly increased the need for student housing, and to meet this need Drake University commissioned the construction of this complex to house 381 male students.

The complex is constructed of pre-cast concrete panels and brick veneer and was completed in two phases, with Kirk being completed in 1962. Goodwin soon followed and was completed in 1966.

References: