McKenzie Hall Preservation Plan

University of Oregon McKenzie Hall second floor hallway with windows

Summary

The McKenzie Hall Preservation Plan project will guide the preservation of McKenzie Hall, an approximately 85,000 gross square foot academic building, designed in 1968 by DeNorval Unthank Jr., the first African American graduate from the University of Oregon's (UO) School of Architecture in 1952. The UO Office of Campus Planning received $150,000 from the National Trust for Historic Preservation African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, and with generous support from the Getty, has partnered with an architecture consultant to develop a historic preservation and interpretation plan for McKenzie Hall. The preservation plan will guide future repair and renovation projects at McKenzie Hall and recognize the contribution of Unthank to the UO campus and Modern architecture, adding to the growing body of knowledge about the contributions of Black architects in history. In addition, this funding covers the costs for an interpretive display, student employment to assist with research, and allow for educational and collaboration opportunities.

University of Oregon is one of 24 sites to receive a total of $3 million in grant funding to advance ongoing preservation activities for historic sites, buildings, and landscapes that represent Black cultural heritage. With more than $150 million raised, the Action Fund is the largest U.S. resource dedicated to the preservation of African American historic places. With less than 3% of the roughly 95,000 sites listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places explicitly focused on Black American history and culture, this significant underrepresentation highlights a need for increased preservation efforts, as most listed sites do not reflect the lived experiences or contributions of African Americans. To learn more about this program and this year’s grant recipients, visit the Saving Places Action Fund webpage.

Background

McKenzie Hall is significant to African American history in the State of Oregon because it was designed by a prominent black architect at a time in our history when few African Americans held such positions, particularly as a full partner in a firm. It is also an ideal example of Modernist architectural style of the era. As noted in the National Register of Historic Places Multiple Property Document (MPD) Black Historic Resources in Oregon, 1788-2002 (November, 2024), DeNorval Unthank Jr., or "De" as he was know to colleagues, family, and friends, was a significant African American architect in the Pacific Northwest region. Unthank's contributions to architecture in Oregon are prolific, yet to this day underrecognized. Highlighting his work in the context of McKenzie Hall's preservation will not only document his legacy but also bring awareness to the importance of diversity and representation in the field of architecture.

McKenzie Hall is a notable example of the Brutalist style. The building has an interesting interplay of Modern architectural elements that are accomplished through its exposed concrete construction, geometric massing, use of rough cast concrete building material for textural effect, and the color of the brick veneer. Decorative elements are limited to the strong geometric play of shapes and the contrast between building materials and the use of wood places the building in the context of the Pacific Northwest. McKenzie Hall was originally built to house the University of Oregon Law School and was converted to a general academic building in 2000. Today, it houses general classrooms, the History Department, the Yamada Language Center, and an Information Services class laboratory and support spaces. The building remains in good condition and continues to serve the University community on a daily basis.

Status

With an approximately 12-month planning and implementation timeline for the project, beginning in 2025 and ending in 2026, there will be several overlapping elements.

Jan/Feb 2025: Grant preparation and submission
July 2025: Grant awarded
Fall 2025: Hire architect consultant and student researchers
Winter 2025 - Spring 2026: Preservation Plan research, development, and engagement
Summer/Fall 2026: Interpretation Plan development
October 2026: Open house to celebrate project completion

McKenzie Hall preservation plan grant timeline

Engagement

There will be several engagement opportunities and events for the UO and community members to attend and learn more about the preservation planning for McKenzie Hall and the life and career of DeNorval Unthank, Jr., FAIA

January 13, 2026 - Preliminary Stakeholder Engagement and Building Tour