The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Oval, The

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The Oval (view from Bristol Hall), King College

The Oval (view from the E. W. King Library and Administration Building), King College

The Oval (view from the Women's Auxiliary Building), King College

Institution Name: King College
Original/Historic Place Name: Oval, The
Location on Campus: 1350 King College Rd.
Date(s) of Construction:

1960-1962

original construction Marbut, Evan L.

Designer: Evan L. Marbut (Decatur, Georgia)
Type of Place: Landscape site
Style: (Glossary)
Significance: architecture, education, history, landscape, religion
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Function:

ca. 1962-present (2006)

other (pedestrian connection between buildings and the place of all of King College's Commencement exercises for the last many years, once they outgrew current facilities; all alumni relate to the Oval as a place for romantic walks, jogging, etc.)

Narrative:
The Oval was developed in the 1960s and has always been a focal point of beauty on campus. It somewhat hidden from vehicular traffic, but it is visible from the new campus entrance due to the entrance's elevation. The fronts of the surrounding buildings face the Oval, which unfortunately presents the visitor with a view of the rear.

References:

Landscape Master Plan. Narrative and drawings. King College, Bristol, TN.

Selected items from Collection of Master Plans. 1917, 1931, 1952 and 1968. King College Archives, King College, Bristol, TN.

Thompson & Litton Architects. Master Plan [King College]. Narrative and drawings. [Wise, VA: Thompson & Litton Architects], October 1998 and 1999.