The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Carnegie Building

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Carnegie Building, Johnson C. Smith University

Institution Name: Johnson C. Smith University
Original/Historic Place Name: Carnegie Library
Location on Campus: Building no. 11
Date(s) of Construction:

1911-1912

original construction Hunter, L. L. Gordon, Frank

Designer: L. L. Hunter; Frank Gordon
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Beaux-Arts classicism (Glossary)
Significance: architecture, culture, education, history
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: concrete, brick and block

Walls: brick and sandstone

Roof: wood overlaid with felt and roofing tar

Function:

1912-1978	library
1978-present (2006)	other (student services; including financial aid, alumni affairs, development services and major gifts)

Narrative:
The Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission has recorded that Carter Hall is "the oldest structure in the city and county which possesses a cupola and circular pavilions. . . . Carter Hall is significant to what was accomplished by a newly-liberated people in an atmosphere that has been described as 'hostile.' This structure was built under trying circumstances and by people who had very meager financial resources. It is the oldest dormitory of the first and only private institution of higher learning open to black people in the immediate and surrounding communities."

References:

Parker, Inez Moore. The Biddle-Johnson C. Smith University Story. Charlotte, NC: Charlotte Publishing, 1975.