In the early 1880s Oregon was strongly influenced by major East coast architects, beginning with McKim, Mead & White and then almost immediately by H. H. Richardson.  Local architects McCaw and Martin selected Richardsonian Romanesque as the style for many of their commercial buildings, including the Dekum building, their prominent 1892 building at the corner of SW Third and Washington, and their West Hall building for the University of Portland.

Henry Hobson Richardson, the eponymous interpreter of the Romanesque style, practiced in Boston but influenced architects throughout the nation. Façades of heavy rustic sandstone blocks, leafy decorative elements, and arched entryways make the Dekum and West Hall among the signature Richardsonian Romanesque buildings in the region.

Leland Roth will illuminate this distinctive architectural style in “Richardson Comes West.” Roth is the Marion Dean Ross Distinguished Professor in Architectural History at the University of Oregon and is the author of several books, including the classic American Architecture: A History. Roth earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois and his Master’s degree and Ph.D. at Yale.

Pre-registration is required (don’t delay - we’re expecting a full house!), either at our website or using the coupon in the newsletter.

Saturday, June 21
1 – 2:30 p.m.
Members: $13
General Public: $18