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Caldwell Hall. Early name, Hall of Divinity School of the Sacred Sciences. Named for Miss Mary Gwendoline Caldwell of Newport, R.I. (later Marquise des Montiers de Mermville) who gave approximately
$300,000 for the construction. Chapel, a gift of Miss Lina Caldwell.
Date: Cornerstone: May 4, 1888. Opened Nov. 13, 1889. Seton addition: 1960–61
Architect and Builder: E. F. Baldwin. Architect of Seton addition, Wendell B. Hallet.
Elevation: 219.88'
Use: Academic, student life, religious. The building accommodates the following:
• Academic schools, departments, associations and facilities
• School of Theology and Religious Studies
• School of Canon Law
• Department of Church History
• Department of Biblical Studies
• Institute for Hispanic Liturgy
• The Living Light
• Caldwell Auditorium
• Student Life Facilities
• Campus Ministry
• Residences for graduate students
• Caldwell Chapel
• The Jurist
Style: Romanesque adapted to late Victorian institutional style; south wing extended in 1960 modern style.
Composition: Symmetrical five-part w/central and end pavilions, rear central chapel wing.
Size: Central pavilion is five stories plus basement and attic, rest is four stories.
Gross square footage—144,020.
Net square footage—88,023.
Materials: Local granite originally called Georgetown blue gneiss, gently rusticated.
Trim: Sandstone including horizontal bands at base, between first and second stories, emphasizing fourth story; heavy corbelling in central pavilion cornice.
Roof: Slate hip roofs on central and end pavilions connected by gable-ended ridge roof. Ornamental attic dormers and end pavilion vent pents. A central steeple is visible from the rear.
Windows: Double-hung wooden sash; triple, transom sash in first floor windows on central pavilion, wings have arched windows, end pavilion has single transom sash; second and third floor have paired sash in vertical arch topped compositions; fourth floor and fifth floor on central pavilion have smaller-scale horizontally banded windows; single dormer on central pavilion has a single arch window in a gable; end pavilions have gable dormers with triple sash.
Door: Main entry double oak solid panel doors match interior trim w/sidelights and transom.
Note: Cluster chimneys and a minor arched entrance porch plus stone finials and vent/cupolas ornament the building’s silhouette.
Setting: Building faces west as a major element of the campus and is surrounded by lawn and landscaping.
Architecture: Caldwell Hall was built in an academic Romanesque style in a multifloor, multi-element composition designed to break up the facade of a very large building with generous fenestration and a sense of solidity. As the first building on The Catholic University of America campus, it set a tone for architectural excellence. Special-use spaces included a white Beaux-Arts style chapel to the rear of the central pavilion with a dramatic curved absidial end. Originally the theological library was located beneath the chapel, but this is now recycled multi-use space. An important aspect of Caldwell Hall is the main stair that connects the entry vestibule to the chapel, one-half story up. It is a magnificent
carved oak stair with ornamental iron columns. The design continues up five stories in a dramatic split and return pattern. The 1960 addition of a southeastern wing was symmetrical with the original plan, but done in a modern style which is neither sophisticated nor compatible with the elegance of the original building.
History: Caldwell Hall was built with papal blessing as the foundation of national Catholic culture and education in the nation’s Capital. The precampus history of the site is important, and the campus is now historic in its own right. The cornerstone ceremony was attended by President Grover Cleveland, his cabinet and many papal delegates. When finished, the building was dedicated by then President Benjamin Harrison plus Archbishop Francesco Satolli, representing the Pope.
Significance: Caldwell Hall was the first structure built for the new Catholic university, iconic in its national role for Catholic culture and education in the capital city. The building is also an important example of the Romanesque Revival as used for academic purposes. The building has maintained its architectural integrity and withstands a 1960 addition that has minimal impact on the main facade. By association with the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and the university, Caldwell Hall is of value as a seat of institutional presence and learning. Caldwell Hall is a contributing building to the architectural and historic qualities of the campus.
Condition: A new roof was installed in 1985. Lower level renovations for Campus Ministry offices were completed in January 1989. First floor dining and kitchen areas were renovated into office and meeting spaces in April 2004. As a historically significant and active building, comprehensive renovations should be undertaken. The primary building systems, including the windows, exterior walls and the service systems—heating, ventilating and air conditioning—are in urgent need of capital repair and replacement.
Caldwell Hall Floorplans
Last Revised 17-Mar-08 08:54 AM.
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