Weil Hall Considered for National Register of Historic Places

	Weil Hall, back when it could be seen from inside Florida Field.

As the University of Florida celebrates its 150-year history, Weil Hall may soon reach a milestone of its own: The half-century old building is on a short list of campus buildings to be considered for the National Register of Historic Places.
Over 50 years ago, the College of Engineering experienced tremendous growth following World War II. Weil Hall was built to accommodate the need for more space. At that time, the building housed the entire College of Engineering. The college now spreads across the university campus and beyond, but Weil Hall retains its historical significance.

UF recently received a $150,000 Getty Campus Heritage Grant to develop a Preservation Master Plan and Training Program and a $25,000 grant from the Florida Division of Historical Resources to define the campus historic impact area and prioritize significant buildings of the post World War II era. One goal of the project is to study campus buildings that have reached the 50-year benchmark and nominate these buildings to the National Register of Historic Places. Generally, properties eligible for the National Register are at least 50 years old and are significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, or culture.

Twenty-two UF campus buildings are currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, according to Susan Tate, principal investigator for the grant research. Tate is a professor in the College of Design, Construction and Planning and a registered architect and general contractor specializing in historic preservation and interior design.

“A boom in construction occurred on campus after World War II,” Tate said. “We will select only the buildings of the most historical and architectural significance as examples of that era. Weil Hall is a key element in the compatible transition to the new directions of the post World War II era. Weil interprets the materials and form of Collegiate Gothic with a streamlining of detail and horizontal emphasis associated with new social and architectural directions.”

Many buildings in the northeast corner of the campus are listed as part of an Historic District on the National Register. “This project proposes to expand the existing historic district,” Tate said. “Newly eligible buildings are scattered throughout the campus but are connected by their function of character and architectural significance.”

The two-year project proposes the nomination of six to 10 additional buildings to the National Register. In addition to beginning development of a Preservation Master Plan for the UF campus, the project team will examine historic campus plans, study the visual linkages of historic buildings and pedestrian ways, and develop a walking tour map.

The team began its evaluation of Weil Hall in August. If Weil Hall is added to the National Register, the listing would acknowledge not only its historic value to the College of Engineering but its contribution to the history of the university.

Writer: Patricia Casey