Completed in 1927, the Horticulture Building was designed by University Architect William Edwards to meet the growing needs of University of Florida’s agricultural programs. It housed the Agricultural Extension Service, the State Plant Board, and the Agricultural Experiment Station as well as classrooms. Rolfs Hall reflects its Gothic heritage in its random balance of gable dormers and projecting oriel bay windows headed by checker-work parapets. Between dormers, the roof parapet is pierced with quatrefoils and diamond lozenges with rosette centers. Plaques of floral motifs and a beehive reflect the Department of Horticulture’s studies.
3-1/2 stories
L shape plan with projecting oriel bays
Central chimney
Gable roof
Shed dormers
End on long side of rectangle
6 over 6 light paired
6 over 6 light in groups of four
Aluminumm replacement sash
Brick is English Bond
Rowlock arches
Flat light red clay tiles
Copper downspouts with square brackets and leader heads
Cast stone lintels and sills
Quoins at windows
Balustrade with quatrefoils with inset floral medallions
Cornice line with cast square panels of floral
Water table half round with bulging torus
Faces street and forms defined exterior space between wings
Architect: William Augustus Edwards, completed by Rudolph Weaver
Building Name: Peter Henry Rolfs, director of the Agricultural Extension and the Experiment Station
