Curley Hall and Curley Hall South

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Name: Curley Hall and Curley Hall South. Named for Archbishop Michael J. Curley, the university chancellor from 1921 to 1947.

Date: 1939

Architect: Murphy & Olmstead

Elevation: Curley Hall, 229.37'; Curley Hall South, 226.97'.

Use: Priest faculty residence with conference and dining facilities.

Style: A unique, austere, institutional complex with Deco and Gothic influences.

Composition: Curley Hall is a rectilinear structure facing west and connected by a covered walk to Curley South in what may have been a symmetrical composition around a central court with an unbuilt Curley North.

Size: Three stories plus basement.

Curley Hall:

Gross square footage—19,620

Net square footage—13,394.

Materials: Random ashlar granite.

Trim: Limestone trim at doors and windows, water table, and banding at lintels of second and third story windows. A somewhat Deco vertical flourish at the central windows above entrance.

Roof: Flat

Windows: Deteriorating metal casement sash.

Doors: Main entrance is raised on a broad stone stoop and has double wood panel doors with an arched transom.

Note: Curley Hall and Curley South appear to be an incomplete symmetrical composition. The area that would be Curley North and the central court are filled with temporary, factory-built residential units, called Curley Court.

Setting: Complex has an austere setting with lawn and surrounding parking and drives.

Architecture: Though naming a style is difficult, this complex has a geometric strength from its bold forms and dark gray stone. Curley Hall has a strong central entryway with a large stone stoop and vertical finned ornament above. Curley South is at a right angle and connected by a covered walk. Though it has the same detailing, Curley South has a series of three projecting entry towers on its main south front, creating a strong pattern.

History: The Curley Hall complex was purpose-built as a priest faculty residence in 1939 and continues in that use. Curley Main and Curley Annex house male cleric and religious faculty members, staff and special guests in 25 single-room suites with private bathrooms. A dining facility is located in Curley Main. In addition, the Vincent Walters room is located in the south end of the structure. This room is used by the president of the university for special events.

Significance: The Curley Hall complex relates to the unique aspect of Catholic culture, education and spirituality on the campus. The buildings make a secondary contribution because of their age and architecture.

Condition: The hall requires a major renovation of the mechanical and electrical systems throughout the main building and annex. A total window replacement and cosmetic upgrades are necessary within the next few years. Rooms are networked to the computer system and cable television services, but would benefit from inclusion on the fiber optic systems. The annex roof was replaced in August 2001.