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OSU Buildings Histories in the Special Collections and Archives Research Center

Building History

The initial wave tank was constructed in 1972 and was not enclosed. Additions were made in 1990, and additional upgrades in 2003 allowed researchers to study tsunamis. Today the O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory at OSU is the largest tsunami and storm wave research facility in the United States and among the top 10 in the world. It honors the vision and generosity of donor O. Howard Hinsdale, who was the president of the Umpqua National Bank of Reedsport, Oregon.

General Information

Address

3550 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97333

Architect

 

Year Built

1972

Renovations

1990 (circular and rectangular wave basins were completed), 2003 (tsunami wave basin completed)

Square Footage

61,000 (5,400 of which is office and class space)

Purpose/Usage

Used for research on wave behavior and tsunamis

Previous Name(s)

N/A

Namesake

O. Howard Hinsdale, President of the Umpqua National Bank of Reedsport, Oregon

Historic District

No

Blueprints

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

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

Information Forthcoming

Map