Summary
The Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places is located in the Northeast sector of the Campus Historic Impact Area. The UF Preservation Plan and Guidelines for Restoration and New Construction discuss the Historic Impact Area in four zones. The overall character of each zone is summarized, followed by definition of individual buildings and features.
The West Zone is characterized by Collegiate Gothic buildings engaged by courtyards. The original 1905 Master Plan designated this area for dormitories and functions specific to student life, including athletic endeavors. At its opening semester in 1906, the University of Florida conducted all operations from its only two buildings, Thomas and Buckman Halls. These buildings were joined by additional dormitories in 1929 and 1939 with courtyards between. 1919 Gymnasium, the 1929 Florida Pool, the 1936 Florida Union student at Dauer Hall, the 1931 Infirmary, and agricultural activities were added to this zone. Funding by the Yardley family in 2004 allowed the development of the Yardley Courtyard which fulfilled the original plan of open space at the heart of this zone.
Character Defining Features
Visual presence of Collegiate Gothic Campus and its evolution
Buildings in rectilinear relationships engaging courtyards
Continuity of massing, scale, and height
Continuity of materials and visual concept
Tower entrances to dormitory courtyards
Central courtyard, dormitory courtyards, and periphery landscape
Gardens at historic Gymnasium and 2007 Pugh Hall and Graham Center
Landscape appropriate to region
Pedestrian linkages
The open space of the Plaza of the Americas extended to the Southwest
Extension of open space to the East, linking South of the University Auditorium
Orientation toward the extended green created in adjacent new buildings
Landscape appropriate to region
