Metamorphosis: Umrath Hall
“The buildings are iconic. They are the symbol of the university. In many ways they define this quite special place as one of the great campuses of America.... These buildings were built 100 years ago. How do we make them work for today?”
— Henry S. “Hank” Webber, former executive vice chancellor for administration1
Umrath Hall has taken on many names: Ligget Hall during planning1, Tower Hall until 1929, John F. Lee Hall until that name was transferred to a residence hall on the newly-constructed South 40,2 and now Karl D. Umrath Hall since 19633 but has taken on even more roles in its ever-lengthening history. It is one of 11 original Cope and Stewardson buildings for the Hilltop (now called Danforth) Campus purchased for WashU in 1894.1 Situated in the core of campus, the building has been a core part of WashU since its inception but as the essence of WashU and times changed, so has the usage of Umrath Hall. Umrath is a shapeshifter, living life as dormitories, a dining hall, a watering hole, classrooms, and offices; it has stood the test of time because of this, while more specialized buildings fall away. Umrath fits in, sitting in quite self-assurance, as it changes over the years: it has grown into its footprint as muildings rise around it (see left). Umrath hall has deep, established roots on WashU’s campus (see left), allowing it to confidently stand out as one of WashU’s most interesting buildings.
1. Benson, Mary Ellen. Iconic Buildings, Modern Uses, The Source, WashU, 1 Dec. 2012, www.source.washu.edu/2012/12/iconic-buildings-modern-uses/.
2. “Campus Architecture: Danforth Campus Buildings: Umrath Hall.” Research Guides at Washington University in St. Louis, Research Guides at Washington University in St. Louis, www.libguides.wustl.edu/DanforthCampusBuildings/U#s-lg-box-33463957. Accessed 20 Sept. 2025.
3. Hilltop Campus Historic District, Personnel Office and Public Relations Office of Washington University in St. Louis , c. 1989-90, www.wustl.app.box.com/s/xkgsqawoivuvxvd3jva37jagwjq88guc.