My.EOU Portal Current Students Faculty/Staff
Apply Visit Request Info Give Now
EOU file photo / A public presentation updating the campus and community on the North Campus Restoration Project and demolition of Hunt Hall is scheduled from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 4 in Huber Auditorium in Badgley Hall.
LA GRANDE, Ore. March 22, 2017 – The first phase of a major capital construction project at the north end of Eastern Oregon University’s campus begins later this month.
Effective Wednesday, March 29, the lower section of the Hunt Hall parking lot accessible from the 12th Street entrance will close to accommodate salvage, abatement, and eventual demolition and restoration of the original women’s dormitory site. A fence will be installed around the perimeter to ensure safety and will block access to the parking lot.
The work follows completion of a thorough study of Hunt Hall conducted by the university that determines the cost to repair and renovate the aging building exceeds the price of new construction.
“With the plumbing, steam lines and electrical systems not up to current codes, the lack of an elevator for ADA accessibility as well as other access issues, the massive retrofitting the building would require just isn’t feasible,” said Luke Aldrich, North Campus Restoration Project manager.
The decision to tear down Hunt Hall was not made quickly – or lightly – with EOU looking at ways to save the building for over 15 years. Aldrich is currently leading a team to re-envision a use for the large space after the 72,300 square-foot building is gone.
Possibilities being discussed by the North Campus Restoration Team include enhanced parking and visitor access, including walkways, and opening up views of the valley and mountains surrounding EOU’s campus.
A public presentation updating the campus and community on the project is scheduled from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 4 in Huber Auditorium in Badgley Hall. Organizers are inviting input on Hunt Hall history during the meeting.
“Restoration of the site is obviously an important component of the project,” Aldrich said. “The team is going to great lengths to ensure we memorialize the building and minimize disturbance in this culturally sensitive area.”
Total cost of the project is $2.985 million, with funding provided by capital construction bonds allocated through the state legislature. EOU is working with W.C. Construction, Inc., and the demolition and cleanup is expected to be complete by fall term.
Most of the building has been closed since 2014. The first wing was constructed in 1939 and originally named Dorion Hall in honor of Marie Aioe Dorion, the sole female member in a cross-country expedition to the Pacific Northwest in 1910. This wing has been vacant since the 1970’s.
A section was added in 1948 when it was renamed Hunt Hall in memory of the Wilson Hunt Price group that Marie Dorion was traveling with. Another wing was added in 1955 and a final section was built in 1963.
For more information on the building demolition and North Campus Restoration Project, visit www.eou.edu/north-campus-restoration or contact Aldrich at 541-962-3395 or laldrich@eou.edu.
« April Super Transfer Days | Inspirational Teacher Awards »
Celebrate EOU’s 93rd Commencement on June 17, 2023 LA GRANDE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon University will hold its 93rd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. in the Community Stadium on the La Grande campus. The main commencement ceremony will be held on the green for the first time since the turf […]Read more
EOU’s Historic Building Set for Year-long Renovation June 1, 2023 – Eastern Oregon University’s Inlow Hall Phase II renovation, slated to begin July 1, aims to bring much-needed updates to the University’s original building. The project will bring the building’s seismic resilience up to code, provide new heating, ventilation and air conditioning throughout the facility, […]Read more
EOU’s 2023 Teacher Excellence Award recognizes a long-time music faculty LA GRANDE, Ore. – The 2023 Teacher Excellence Award committee presented long-time Eastern Oregon University (EOU) Professor of Music Peter Wordelman with the distinguished Teacher Excellence Award, recognizing his efforts and outstanding accomplishments in teaching and mentoring both in and out of the classroom. Dr. […]Read more