Dallas Hall facts for kids
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Dallas Hall
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| Location | 3225 University Blvd., University Park, Texas |
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| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1915 |
| Architect | Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Neo-Georgian |
| MPS | Georgian Revival Buildings of Southern Methodist University TR (AD) |
| NRHP reference No. | 78002913 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 17, 1978 |
Dallas Hall is a very important and historic building at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in University Park, Texas. It was built in 1915 and was the very first building on the campus. Its design was inspired by the famous Roman Pantheon and the architecture of Thomas Jefferson. The building was created by the architectural firm of Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge. Even though the SMU campus has grown a lot around it, Dallas Hall is still the main center of the university. Because of its importance, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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History of Dallas Hall
Dallas Hall was designed by the Chicago office of the architectural firm Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge. Robert Stewart Hyer, who was the first president of SMU, chose a style called Georgian architecture. This style was inspired by the buildings at the University of Virginia, which were designed by Thomas Jefferson. The building's look was also influenced by the ancient Pantheon in Rome.
The building was named "Dallas Hall" to thank the people of Dallas. They had generously given 622.5 acres of land and $300,000 to help start the university.
Building the Hall
Construction on Dallas Hall began in 1912. The first stone, called the cornerstone, was laid on November 28, 1912. The building was officially opened in 1915, making it the very first building on the SMU campus.
The spot chosen for Dallas Hall is one of the highest points in Dallas County. When it was first built, it stood alone on a flat, open field. Because of its large size and high location, SMU got its nickname, "The Hilltop." Dallas Hall is made of brick and has three stories.
What Dallas Hall Has Been Used For
When Dallas Hall first opened, almost all of the university's activities happened inside it. For about ten years after it opened, all the classrooms were in Dallas Hall. Over the years, it has been home to many different things. It has had classrooms, offices, a chapel, a place to get hamburgers, a post office, and even a barbershop!
Since then, many other buildings have been built around Dallas Hall, creating a very balanced campus. Dallas Hall celebrated its 100th birthday on November 12, 2012, with a special dinner. It has been officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places since November 17, 1978.
Today, Dallas Hall is still used for important university events. These include convocations, which are formal assemblies, and graduation ceremonies.
Images for kids
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Dallas Hall in 1921
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School's seal within the building
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A distant view
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