University of Oregon reopens historic halls After $96 million seismic and structural upgrade

The University of Oregon has reopened its two oldest campus buildings, University Hall (formerly Deady Hall) and Villard Hall, after a sweeping structural and system upgrade that spanned approximately two years. The renovation aimed to preserve their historic character while significantly enhancing seismic resilience, accessibility, and building systems.

University Hall was originally completed in 1876, while Villard Hall followed in 1886, making them among the earliest structures on the Eugene campus. Both are listed as National Historic Landmarks, which required the renovation team to maintain their exteriors largely unchanged.

During the upgrade, crews effectively deconstructed the interiors of the buildings and rebuilt within their historic shells. The project involved installing new HVAC systems, enhancing accessibility features such as restrooms and elevators, and integrating steel and concrete support elements to bolster structural strength.

Project leaders described the approach as building “a building within a building”, a retrofit strategy where new structural elements are introduced behind or within original walls to absorb seismic loads without compromising the historic façade.

The total cost of the rehabilitation is reported at about $96 million, of which $58.5 million was funded via bond appropriations from the Oregon Legislature.

The reopening marks a milestone in the University of Oregon’s broader Heritage Renovation Project, an effort to preserve, modernize, and adapt its most historically significant buildings for continued use in the 21st century.