Smith Hall, University of Kansas

Dedicated October 8, 1967, Smith Hall contains KU’s religious studies department, the William J. Moore library, classrooms, and faculty offices. Smith Hall’s location was formerly occupied by Myers Hall, a privately owned building that housed the Bible Chair. In the 1960’s private groups and Christian denominations raised funds for the construction of a building to replace Myers Hall. Smith Hall was among the list of buildings described by the Board of Regents as “mission critical” to demolish in 2023, however its demolition has been placed on hold, and will be decided in the University of Kansas’s unreleased campus ‘Master Plan’.

Despite containing a department of the University of Kansas, the land Myers and later Smith Hall occupied was not owned by KU until 1998. During Smith Hall’s construction in the ‘60s both the land and building were owned by the Kansas Bible Chair. The Bible Chair existed outside the University of Kansas, teaching courses on Christianity and religious history writ large. 

The Bible Cair was founded in 1901 by the Women’s Board of Missions of the Christian Church. Chancellor Strong “thought the Bible Chair a nearly ideal solution to the question of religion in connection with state educational institutions.” The Chancellor’s view was so positive that he and the Board of Regents took upon themselves to solicit private donors for the creation of Myers Hall, which was completed in 1906. The Bible Chair solicited funding for the construction of Smith Hall, and through the donations of affiliated denominations, private individuals, and private groups the building was completed. Donor Irma I. Smith gave the largest donation towards the project, and was therefore awarded the honor of being the building’s namesake. 

Architect Charles Marshall was hired to construct Smith Hall, which did in the mid century modern style. Mid Century modernism is characterized by minimal decoration, clean lines, natural shapes, and large windows. Such characteristics are all over Smith Hall, see the subtle crosses along the top stripe of the building, the large windows which peer outside, and its overall smooth figure. The most arresting features of Smith Hall’s design are the two prominent pieces of art, the statue of Moses and stained glass window. Charles Marshall designed the stained glass window titled “Burning Bush”, and Elden Tefft, sculptor and KU professor, designed the statue of Moses. Each piece represents a key element of the University of Kansas’s crest.

The Kansas Board of Regents listed Smith Hall on its list of buildings to be demolished in 2023, with costs estimated at around $650,000. A 2020 study by the Board of Regents found that necessary renovations would cost around $860,000. After the announcement of plans to destroy Smith Hall in 2023, a community response group arose, calling for the preservation and refurbishment of the building. In response to community backlash, KU Chancellor Douglas Girod placed the decision of demolition on hold until the release of the University’s Campus Master Plan.

Davies, Rachel. 2023. “Midcentury-Modern Architecture: Everything You Should Know About the Funky and Functional Style.” Architectural Digest, January 23, 2023. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/midcentury-modern-architecture-everything-you-should-know.

Maloney, Sara. 2022. “Students, community react to Smith Hall potential demolition.” University Daily Kansan, December 19, 2022. https://www.kansan.com/news/students-community-react-to-smith-hall-potential-demolition/article_31120b9e-8012-11ed-9a74-3bddcbe4743b.html.

Harper, Tom. 2022. “Tom Harper: Smith Hall is an architectural and artistic landmark worth saving (Column).” The Lawrence Times, November 2, 2022. https://lawrencekstimes.com/2022/11/02/harper-smith-hall-oped/.

Harper, Tom. 2023. “Tom Harper: Smith Hall demolition is on hold for now, but the building is still endangered (Column).” The Lawrence Times, March 11, 2023. https://lawrencekstimes.com/2023/03/11/harper-smith-hall-update-oped/.

Smith Hall, KU Places. Accessed June 1st, 2023. https://places.ku.edu/buildings/smith-hall.

Griffin, Clifford S. 1974. The University of Kansas; a History. N.p.: University Press of Kansas.p.241-2