Woodburn Circle, Historic district at West Virginia University, United States
Woodburn Circle is a historic district at West Virginia University featuring three red brick buildings arranged around an oval pathway. The structures now house administrative offices, classrooms, and the Reed College of Media.
The district began in 1870 with the university's first building, later renamed to honor Alexander Martin. A second major structure was added in 1876, establishing the core layout of the space.
The three buildings reflect different architectural approaches from the late 1800s, visible in their distinct facades and roof designs. Walking around the oval pathway, visitors can observe how each structure expresses its own visual character.
The district is situated in the heart of campus and is easily walkable, with clear pathways connecting the buildings. Keep in mind that many spaces are in active use during class periods, so certain areas may or may not be accessible.
The middle structure was financed through an unusual method: a dedicated state property tax that collected five cents per hundred dollars of property value. This 19th-century funding approach allowed construction without relying on conventional public appropriations.
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