Named after its founder, Alexander Beers. Alexander Hall stands as a testament to Seattle’s rich educational history.
Let’s step back to 1891. The Free Methodist Church broke ground for a new school, the Seattle Seminary. The Red Brick Building, now Alexander Hall, was completed in 1893. John Parkinson, an English-born architect, designed it.
Nils B. Peterson, a local homesteader, donated five acres for the seminary. His farm spanned a large area of Queen Anne Hill. Five of Peterson’s children attended the seminary when it opened. Alexander Beers and his wife, Adelaide, came from Virginia to lead the school. Alexander focused on fundraising. Adelaide managed the curriculum and teaching. The first term had two faculty members and thirty-four students.
Interestingly, Alexander Hall may be the oldest building in Queen Anne. It is certainly among the oldest masonry buildings. Despite alterations, its Romanesque Revival design is still visible. Note the four octagonal towers. Also see the projecting bay and round arch entrance. These elements reflect the style popularized by Henry Hobson Richardson. His style incorporated medieval influences. The broad archway and corner towers evoke a medieval feel. Even the windows at the base of each tower add to this aesthetic.
The building’s structure is unique. It features a brick shell around a wooden frame. This allows the two structures to move independently during earthquakes.
John Parkinson likely drew inspiration from national magazines. These magazines showcased fashionable architectural styles. This explains the East Coast and Midwest influences in Alexander Hall’s design.
Initially, the seminary focused on elementary education. In 1910, the curriculum expanded to college-level courses. The school was renamed Seattle Seminary and College in 1913. It became Seattle Pacific College in 1915 and Seattle Pacific University in 1977.
In 1940, the Red Brick Building was renamed Alexander Hall. The trustees feared associations with his last name so they used only his first name.
Alexander Hall was placed on the Washington Heritage Register in 1972.
Today, Alexander Hall stands as a reminder of Seattle’s educational roots. It embodies the vision of its founders. It also reflects the architectural trends of the late 19th century.