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OSU Buildings Histories in the Special Collections and Archives Research Center

Building History

 

The home of the animal husbandry and dairy husbandry departments, Withycombe Hall opened in the spring of 1952. It is named after James Withycombe, an early 20th century director of the college's agricultural experiment station and governor of Oregon from 1915 to 1919. The building was constructed at the cost of $1,190,000 and is composed of two distinct wings - one for office and classroom space, and the other consisting of laboratory space. The wings are connected by a corridor, in which there is also a large auditorium, seating 230 people. 

Today, Withycombe Hall is home to the Department of Food Science and Technology, the Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, and part of the College of Liberal Arts. It also houses the Theatre Department.

General information

Address

2921 SW Campus Way Corvallis, OR 97331

Architect

Glenn Stanton

Year Built

1952

Renovations

2021 - major renovation planned, including plumbing, electrical, and HVAC improvements, seismic safety improvements, accessibility improvements, and exterior renewal. 

Square Footage

30,043

Purpose/Usage

Houses the Department of Food Science and Technology, the Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, and the Theatre Department; also home to Beaver Classic Cheese and the OSU Research Winery.

Previous Name(s)

N/A

Namesake

James Withycombe, 15th Governor of Oregon, and former director of the agricultural experiment station.

Historic District

Yes; contributing building

Blueprints

Business and Bid Opportunities

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

SCARC: The OSU Memorabilia Collection includes a program from the dedication of Withycombe Hall. 

Oregon Digital: A search for Withycombe Hall yields several results, many of them photographs. 

Map