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OSU Buildings Histories in the Special Collections and Archives Research Center

Building History

A color image of Covell Hall taken March 2019.

Student photo by James Flatt, March 2019

Originally called the Physics Building and completed in 1928, this structure was later named for Grant Adelbert Covell, first dean for the School of Engineering. The school formed in 1908, but the foundation of engineering goes back to the 1880's when mathematics professors incorporated concepts of engineering as part of their teaching. Covell was appointed to the first professorship exclusively devoted to Engineering.

General Information

Address

1691 SW Campus Way

Architect

Bennes & Herzog

Year Built

1928

Renovations

Unknown

Square Footage

35,760

Purpose/Usage

Previously: Physics Department; Currently: Engineering

Previous Name(s)

Physics Building (1928-?)

Namesake

Grant Adelbert Covell, first dean for the School of Engineering

Historic District

Yes; Historic Contributing Building

Blueprints

Facilities Services Records 1888-2003, Series III Building Specifications and Reports, 1909-2003, Box 89

Maps

Facilities Services Records, 1888-2003. Series XX:  Campus, Farm, and Property Maps, 1899-1990. Campus and Farm Maps: 3-A

Oregon State University Campus Maps, 1894-1994

Photographs

Oregon State University Historical Photographs, 1868-1980

Further Archival Information

Oregon Digital: A large collection of historic photographs, periodicals, and other materials pertaining to Covell Hall.

SCARC: The Special Collections and Archives Research Center holds several boxes pertaining to Covell Hall, including: two photograph collections, the College of Engineering records, and two manuscript and personal papers collections, including the Memorabilia Collection box 26.9.

Map