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University Auditorium
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- Thomas Hall
- Tigert Hall
- University Auditorium
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- Women’s Gym

University Auditorium
The University Auditorium is the centerpiece of the UF Campus. The landmark designed by William Edwards has impressive Gothic windows, a 99 rank organ with approximately 6,500 pipes, and a vaulted timber ceiling with gargoyle busts at the ends of hammerbeam trusses representing academic, professional, and athletic pursuits. Behind the historic finishes are steel roof trusses and reinforced concrete structure. For many years assemblies and commencement ceremonies were held here, and audiences still enjoy musical and dramatic performances. An administrative tower had been planned for the University Auditorium facing the Plaza of the Americas, but only the Auditorium wing was completed with a temporary wood stair facing the Plaza. The project was set aside when the Florida Land Boom crashed in 1927 and was finally abandoned in 1951 when Tigert Hall was built to respond to the dramatic growth of the Post-World War II student body. The Century Tower was erected in 1953. In 1977 the Auditorium was restored and a new North wing provided a compatible architectural completion of the building. The wing designed by Architect Jim McGinley won the Governor’s Award in 1977.
Architect: William Augustus Edwards; 1977 James McGinley
University Auditorium Character-Defining Features
SCALE
- 3-1/2 stories
MASSING
- Rectangular with addition at North
ROOF
- Gable
ENTRANCES
- Ends of original building on long side
WINDOWS
- 4 over 4 light double hung
- 6 over 6 light double hung
- Large Gothic window with tracery
MATERIALS
- Brick is Common Bond
- 6th course Flemish Bond
- Light red flat tile with “bump” ridge tiles
- Copper valley flashing and downspouts
ORNAMENTATION
- Cast stone entrance surround
- Cast stone water table, copings, decorative sculpture and tracery
- Plaster faux-wood gargoyles capping interior hammer beam trusses
INTERIOR FEATURES
- Hall interior with Gothic Revival hammer deams and ornament
BUILDING-SITE RELATIONSHIP
- Open green space on either side