Name: McMahon Hall (original name). Named for Monsignor James McMahon of New York who bequested approximately $400,000.
Date: Dedication: 1895
Architects: Baldwin & Pennington
Builder: Edward Brady
Elevation: 221.81'
Use: The building houses academic and administrative departments and programs including:
• Office of the Provost
• Vice Provosts for Undergraduate/Graduate Studies
• Provost Emeritus
• School of Arts and Sciences
• Sponsored Programs and Research Services
• Enrollment Management and Financial Aid Offices
• Office of the Registrar
• Department of Greek and Latin
• Department of Modern Languages
• Department of Mathematics
• Department of Business and Economics
• Graduate Student Services
• Office of Public Affairs
• Office of Publications and Services
• Postal Services
• Alumni Relations
Style: Late Victorian Romanesque.
Composition: Symmetrical five-part w/central triplearch, projecting, raised entry.
Size: Four stories plus basement.
Gross square footage —99,272
Net square footage-75,012
Materials: Rusticated granite
Trim: Carved stone pilasters, columns, heavily rusticated base and water table.
Roof: Slate gable on central and end pavilions, midwings on long axis, with dormers plus ornamental circular copper vent pents over end wings.
Windows: Generally paired double hung wooden sash, many topped with leaded glass transom, second floor has arched hoods molds as do most third floor and attic windows.
Doors: Replacements with an effort to replicate.
Note: First floor hall has mosaic hall flooring, stairs are cast iron and public areas appear to be original.
Setting: Surrounded by modest landscaping and lawn, faces south with a circular drive on the other side of the flanking roadway.
Architecture: McMahon Hall was built in an academic Romanesque style to be compatible with the adjacent Caldwell Hall. It is a good example of late-19th-century institutional construction combining multifloor vertical fenestration with a five-part composition including horizontal banding trim. The heavily rusticated base and raised entrance give a solid visual foundation while three prominent gables and a running window pattern distinguish the building’s prominent silhouette.
History: It is the second major Catholic University structure built to serve a national Catholic cultural and educational role and remains in its purpose-built use.
Significance: By virtue of its age, architectural distinction and continued academic use, McMahon Hall stands as a significant building on The Catholic University of America campus. It remains true to the original concept for the university in supporting a leading national educational facility in close association with the iconic role of the adjacent Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The university has also maintained the building’s original architectural integrity. By association with the National Shrine and the university, McMahon Hall is of value as an institutional presence and seat of learning. It is a contributing building to the architectural and historic qualities of the campus.
Condition: The facility is a prominent campus structure.A low-interest loan secured from the federal government in 1991 supported rehabilitation work including a new roof, new windows and a new heating and air-conditioning system. The facility still needs upgraded mechanical and electrical systems and further remodeling of interior spaces. The main lobby has been restored, incorporating modern fire system technologies to permit the removal of imposing wall structures installed in early 1970’s. The post office was renovated as part of the summer work program in 2003. Individual post boxes were removed from resident halls and centralized in the renovated postal area.
Floor Plans
Last Revised 22-Aug-07 12:07 PM.
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