THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON

Onyx Bridge

Onyx Bridge (left), Klamath Hall, Emerald Hall, model 1961
Source: Oregon Quarterly 1961. Original photo in Special Collections
Architect: Lawrence, Tucker, Wallman.

History

An east wing to the Science Building (now Pacific Hall), Onyx Bridge was constructed during 1961, opened in January 1962, and was dedicated the following April. It bears its unique name from the fact that it partly spans Onyx Street, a road which originally stretched north toward the Erb Memorial Union. The $2 million structure features exposed structural steel trusses as part of its façade. The bold checkerboard pattern, the scale of the structure, and the blocking of Onyx Street insured that Onyx Bridge would have lively critics.

Above left: Onyx Bridge under construction in October 1961, rising 'atop' buildings designed by Ellis Lawrence. Photo: Marion Dean Ross. Left: Onyx Bridge, Summer 2005.

Bibliography

Newspaper Articles (arranged by date)

"Science addition work started; total cost to be over 2 million," Daily Emerald, 05/17/1960, 1
"New science building to have eight stories," Daily Emerald, 05/19/1960, 6
"Science plant to cost over $2 million, Illustration", Summer Sun, 07/06/1960, 1, il.
"Strange science building design resembles giant checker board," Daily Emerald, 10/10/1961, 3
"New science wing to be landscaped," Daily Emerald, 11/30/1961, 3
"Cold damages Science addition," Daily Emerald, 01/25/1962, 1
"Research scientists move in new rooms," Daily Emerald, 01/30/1962, 8
"Four scientists will dedicate new building," Daily Emerald, 04/05/1962, 4
"Science dedication ceremonies open to public," Daily Emerald, 04/06/1962, 7
"Science wing ceremonies set," Daily Emerald, 04/06/1962, 1
"Dedication lecure topics announced," Daily Emerald, 04/06/1962, 6
"Scientists laud research area," Daily Emerald, 04/09/1962, 1