Waldschmidt Hall

Waldschmidt Hall is a university building in Portland constructed from brick with Romanesque Revival features designed by Frederick Manson White. The four-and-a-half-story structure houses classrooms, offices, and meeting spaces spread across its floors.

The building began in 1891 as West Hall, the first structure of Portland University, before Archbishop Christie acquired it in 1901. This transition marked a turning point in the institution's development and changed the direction of the campus.

The building serves Portland's university community as a place for teaching and administration that shapes the campus experience. Visitors notice how students and faculty move through its spaces for classes and meetings throughout the day.

The building sits on the university campus along North Willamette Boulevard and is easy to spot from the street. Keep in mind this is an active university building, so access follows standard campus policies for visitors.

The building earned recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 and displays architectural features inspired by Harvard University's Sever Hall. This connection to one of America's oldest universities shows in the details of its brick facade and design.

Location: Portland

Inception: 1891

Architects: Frederick Manson White

Architectural style: Romanesque Revival architecture

Floors above the ground: 4.5

Made from material: brick

Part of: University of Portland

Address: 5000 North Willamette Boulevard

GPS coordinates: 45.57167,-122.72444

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:44