Marist Hall

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Name: Marist Hall. Originally Marist College: Apostolic School of Juniorate.

Date: 1900

Architect: L. Norris

Builder: J. S. Larcombe

Elevation: 254.02'

Use: The hall accommodates the following schools, departments and associations:

• Anthropological Quarterly

Style: Victorian/Romanesque

Composition: H-shaped, symmetrical, central entry, facing south.

Size: Three stories plus attic and basement.

Gross square footage—47,726.

Materials: Red brick on a rusticated Indiana limestone foundation.

Trim: Horizontal limestone banding at first-story transom line and second-story sill course, terra cotta for arched window heads, a corbelled brick cornice, and a heavy stone archway at center entrance.

Roof: Grey slate, gable roof with ridge and gable ends at center above entrance and at ends of wings facing front and back.

Windows: Original, wood double- hung sash typically with arched transoms above, oversize arch windows on first floor.

Doors: Main entrance wood panel double door with arched transom within entry porch with mosaic floor.

Note: Original wood stair is in central entry and reaches from basement to the third story. Some unique very tall wood panel doors (without transoms) remain in the building’s interior.

Setting: Set high above the main campus on a hill, the free-standing structure has lawn and foundation planting plus a parking area to the rear. The building faces south.

Architecture: Marist Hall is a symmetrical, imposing Victorian/Romanesque academic building. The raised, stone-trimmed, arched entry rises to the attic with a gable topped by a cupola containing a statue of the Virgin Mary. The articulation of the basement floor with rusticated stone provides a powerful contrast to the brick walls above. Arched windows and accented wings provide a strong composition for the H-shaped building. The interior retains some original architectural features including the main stair and some of the doors.

History: Marist College was built in 1900 as an academic building. It retains its original academic use, although at one time it may have partially served a convent function. The Catholic University of America purchased the building in the mid-20th century.

Significance: Marist Hall by virtue of its age and architectural distinction is an important part of the campus. It retains its original appearance and has continued to contribute to national Catholic culture and education for over a century, making it one of the more significant structures on the campus. It is a contributing building.

Condition: CUA acquired Marist Hall on April 1, 1975. The building was and still is in urgent need of total renovation. A new roof was installed in 1992 and a new boiler was installed in 1996. The interior space layout and overall condition of the facility are considered to be fair to poor. A comprehensive rehabilitation effort is required to continue to use the facility. The strategic plan identifies this renovation as a priority. The architectural plans have been developed to support the fund raising necessary to begin the work. Accessible first floor modifications were completed in 2001.

Floor Plans

• Basement Floor Plan
• First Floor Plan
• Second Floor Plan
• Third Floor Plan