Hall of Languages, Syracuse University

Hall of Languages, Syracuse University
Hall of Languages, Syracuse University is located in New York
Hall of Languages, Syracuse University
Hall of Languages, Syracuse University is located in the United States
Hall of Languages, Syracuse University
LocationSyracuse, New York, U.S.
Coordinates43°2′19″N 76°8′4″W / 43.03861°N 76.13444°W / 43.03861; -76.13444
Built1871
Built byRandall and Nesdal[2]
ArchitectHoratio Nelson White
Architectural styleSecond Empire
Restored1978-79
Part ofSyracuse University – Comstock Tract buildings (ID80004279; listed separately in 1973)
NRHP reference No.73001236[1]
Added to NRHPSeptember 20, 1973

The Hall of Languages is a Syracuse University building designed by Horatio Nelson White in the Second Empire architectural style, and built in 1871–73.[3][2] It was the first building constructed on the Syracuse University campus and the building originally housed the entire university.[4]

The building's cornerstone was laid on August 31, 1871, by Jesse Truesdell Peck, and the building was dedicated on May 8, 1873, by Edmund S. James, then Bishop of the New York Conference.[5][3] It is styled after the Gridley Building in Downtown Syracuse, which was also designed by the same architect.[6] It features three large towers or cupolas and is made of Onondaga limestone and wood framing with interior cast-iron columns. The original building consisted of the east and west towers only; in 1886 the central tower was added.[7] It was originally home to the College of Liberal Arts (now defunct), and subsequently the College of Arts and Sciences.[7]

It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.[1][7] The interior was completely rebuilt in 1978–79.[7][8]

The iconic building has been prominently displayed as a representation of the university in many forums. The building served as creative inspiration for the Addams Family home in the TV show.[9][10] Most recently starting in 2010 the Syracuse Orange men's basketball team started wearing NIKE jerseys that feature an aerographic of the Hall of Languages.[11]

  1. ^ a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. January 23, 2007.
  2. ^ a b Collins, Kate (6 June 2016). "Carrier Dome, Hall of Languages: SU from the sky (video)". syracuse.com. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
  3. ^ a b "University Archives". library.syr.edu. Syracuse University Libraries. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
  4. ^ Cornelia E. Brooke and Harley J. McKee (August 1973). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Hall of Languages". Archived from the original on 2011-12-10. Retrieved 2009-01-05. and Accompanying two photos, exterior, from 1973 Archived 2011-12-10 at the Wayback Machine
  5. ^ Searing, Robert (8 May 2023). "Since the dedication of Syracuse University's Hall of Languages in 1873, the school and city have 'grown up together'". Syracuse Post-Standard / Onondaga Historical Association. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
  6. ^ "Syracuse University". LinkedIn. 19 December 2020. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
  7. ^ a b c d Haley, Kathleen (June 22, 2017). "Hall of Languages Undergoes Technology, Accessibility Classroom Upgrades". SU News. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
  8. ^ "Hall of Languages - Answers". answers.syr.edu. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
  9. ^ Palmer, Julia (December 14, 2011). "The Cornerstones of Syracuse University". The NewsHouse.
  10. ^ Anderson, Trent; Basili, Seppy; Mager, Eileen W.; Shapiro, Jessica (2003). The Unofficial, Unbiased Guide to the 328 Most Interesting Colleges. New York: Simon & Schuster. p. 470. ISBN 9780743241458.
  11. ^ Ryan, Jeremy. "Orange unveil redesigned uniforms vs. UConn". CNY. Archived from the original on 2 February 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2012.