“An ugly badly designed 20-year-old structure” That’s how some described Condon Hall. But this Brutalist building on Northeast Campus Parkway has a story. We stand before John T Condon Hall. It’s more than just concrete and glass.
Condon Hall once housed the University of Washington School of Law. It was named after John T Condon the school’s first dean. The building opened in 1974 a significant upgrade from its previous cramped quarters. The Philadelphia firm Mitchell/Giurgola designed it. Joyce Copeland Vaughan Nordfors Architects were associate architects.
The initial phase was 129000 square feet. It included classrooms a moot court seminar spaces and a large reading room. The budget was over four million dollars. A second phase was planned but never built due to economic recession in 1982. The law school outgrew Condon Hall.
The building’s design wasn’t universally loved. Some called it joyless and bunkerlike. Its narrow halls windowless classrooms and limited space were criticized. Modernizing the technology was a challenge. Its concrete construction made upgrades difficult. The lack of integration with the main campus also hindered collaboration.
Yet Condon Hall received architectural awards. Its design had positive aspects too. The placement of offices library and common areas was praised. The building’s efficient layout was admired. The precise concrete work was also noteworthy. Condon Hall exemplifies Brutalist architecture. It’s a unique piece of Seattle’s architectural landscape.
Over the years Condon Hall housed various departments. After the law school moved to William H Gates Hall in 2003 Condon became surge space. Departments temporarily occupied it during renovations. The College of Built Environments Department of Architecture Department of Applied Mathematics and the Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics were among its temporary occupants. Even the Ethnic Cultural Center and temporary student union services were housed here.
Today Startup Hall a space for local entrepreneurs occupies part of Condon Hall. The building continues to serve the University of Washington though its role has evolved. Condon Hall’s history reflects the changing needs of the university and the evolution of architectural styles. Its legacy isn’t just in its concrete but in the stories it holds within its walls.