Construction and Evolution of Union Theological Seminary Campus

Conclusion

A Lasting Legacy

Since completion of the campus construction in 1910, the Seminary has seen many other additions throughout the years. An addition of a building north of the chapel on Claremont Avenue was designed for a social hall and refectory, fully enclosing the quadrangle and finished in 1928. This addition completed the original design for the buildings on Morningside Heights.

The corner of 120th and Broadway was further altered with the addition of the Brown Tower, completed in 1929 and named in honor of John Crosby Brown. The entrance with the grand staircase would become known as the Rotunda. The Library would also change, most significantly with the entrance to the library changing to the first floor and an addition of a glassed-in staircase to connect the levels. The third floor reading room in the Library was also redecorated.

Today, the Seminary continues to thrive.

Perhaps Roswell Hitchcock's 1884 quote about the location at Park Avenue can now be considered true:

"The present location is apparently for many decades if not for all time."

 

Sources

Board of Directors, Committee on Site and Building Minutes, 1905-1911. Series 8, Box 2, UTS2: Union Theological Seminary Records, The Burke Library at Union Theological Seminary, Columbia University in the City of New York.

"The Program of a Competition for the Selection of an Architect and the Procuring of a General Plan for the Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York," 1906. Series 8, Box 2, UTS2: Union Theological Seminary Records, The Burke Library at Union Theological Seminary, Columbia University in the City of New York.

"The Dedication of the New Buildings of the Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York, November 27, 28 and 29, 1910." New York: [s.n.], [1910].

Fleming, Daniel J. "Education through Stone and Glass: A Study of Decorative Symbolism in Union Theological Seminary." New York: Union Theological Seminary, [1949].

Handy, Robert T.  History of Union Theological Seminary in New York.  New York: Columbia University Press, 1987.

Slavens, Thomas Paul. "The Library of Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York, 1836-Present." Dissertation for degree of Doctor of Philosophy at University of Michigan, 1965.

UTS1: Charles Cuthbert Hall Papers, The Burke Library at Union Theological Seminary, Columbia University in the City of New York.

 

The original photographs, information on further development and changes to Union's campus, and much more information can be found at the Burke Library at Union Theological Seminary, Columbia University in the City of New York.

The Burke Library (Columbia University Libraries) / 3041 Broadway at 121st Street / New York, NY 10027 / (212) 851-5606 / burke@libraries.cul.columbia.edu