The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Abilene Hall

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Abilene Hall (three-quarter view, ca. 1950), Hardin-Simmons University

Institution Name: Hardin-Simmons University
Original/Historic Place Name: Abilene Hall
Location on Campus: 2418 Hickory St.
Date(s) of Construction:

1948	original construction Hugh & Olds

Designer: Hughs & Olds
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Modern/post-WWII (Glossary)
Significance: education, history
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: concrete pier and beam

Walls: red brick veneer; stone facia; plaster interior walls

Roof: asphalt

Function:

ca. 1948-present (2006)	faculty offices
ca. 1948-present (2006)	classrooms
ca. 2004-present (2006)	academic department building (language lab, computer lab, and writing lab)

Narrative:
The original Abilene Hall was built at Hardin-Simmons University (originally Hardin-Simmons College) in 1913. It was the main classroom and auditorium space on campus. The founders and townspeople donated building funds to demonstrate hometown support for the school.

When the building burnt to the ground in 1947, the university trustees, friends, and townspeople immediately raised funds a second time to rebuild the site, which had provided 40% of the classroom space. The new Abilene Hall was completed in 1948 by the Rose Construction Company and was again named Abilene Hall in honor of the local support of the university.

The building windows were eventually reduced in number to make it easier to heat and cool, and an elevator was added to the building in the 1980s.

References:

Hardin-Simmons University Facilities Master Plan. [n.d.] Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, TX.

Richardson, Rupert N. Famous Are Thy Halls. Abilene, TX: Abilene Printing & Stationary Company, 1976.

Stackhouse, Yvonne. Hardin-Simmons University, a Centennial History. Abilene, TX: Hardin-Simmons University, 1991.