Once upon a time, in the heart of the University of Washington’s north campus, a unique building emerged. It is Hansee Hall. This is not just a dormitory. Hansee Hall is steeped in history and tradition. Completed in 1936, Hansee Hall is the oldest residence hall still operating at the University.
Hansee Hall wasn’t always co-ed. It was originally the Women’s Residence Hall. Imagine this building filled with bright young women eager to start their college journey. The architectural style is a blend of Tudor and Collegiate Gothic. The red brick exterior hints at the Ivy League schools of the East Coast.
The building’s design is quite distinctive. David Myers and John Graham Sr designed Hansee Hall. It features a modified H-plan. This means the building comprises four separate “houses”. They connect via a central corridor. These houses are Blaine, Austin, McKee, and Leary. Each house took its name from prominent Washingtonian women of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Consider Eliza Ferry Leary. She was the daughter of Washington’s first governor. Catherine V. Blaine was Seattle’s first schoolteacher. Ruth Karr McKee served as the first woman on the board of regents. Isabella Austin became the university’s dean of women in 1909.
But there is more to the story of Hansee Hall. The hall got its name in 1961. It was a tribute to Martha Lois Hansee. She was a professor of Greek language and literature. Martha taught at the university from 1881 to 1884 and again from 1895 to 1903. She later became dean of women.
During World War II, Hansee Hall served a different purpose. It became a barracks for the U.S. military. Naval ROTC and Marine officer candidates resided within its walls. In 1945, it reverted back to its original role. It once again housed female students.
Hansee Hall is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about community. The residence hall council is known as the Kingdom of Hansee. This council organizes an annual semi-formal ball. All residence hall students are welcome.
There are specific amenities for students. Bicycle storage is available on the first floor. Hansee Hall is a 24-hour quiet residence. This is important for students who are studying.
Hansee Hall offers different room types. These include single rooms with a shared bath. There are also three-person suites and four-person suites with private baths.
As you stand here, take a moment to appreciate the architectural details. Notice the intricate massing with gabled roofs and dormers. The variegated color slate roofing catches the eye. The multicolored brick cladding adds warmth. Cast-stone details adorn the building.
The entry courtyards offer a tranquil escape. Brick and stone pathways wind through trees, bushes, and flowering plants. These courtyards lead to arched, glazed wood doors with spindlework details.
Hansee Hall has undergone maintenance updates over the years. These include upgrades to kitchen facilities and heating. Plumbing, fire, and life safety systems have also been improved. The building still retains its Tudor Revival appearance. So it blends the old with the new.