BYU: Heber J. Grant Building

The Heber J. Grant building is the original library of the university. It now serves as the dreaded testing center, so despite its beautiful architecture, students aren't that fond of it.

The room pictured above, as many know, is now the main hall for those taking tests.

The details on the carvings of this building are incredible to me.

BYU: George H. Brimhall Building

Originally built as a one-story home for vocational training, the Brimhall building had 2 floors added in 1935.

(Image Source: BYU Archives)

The exterior looks like it could be...cleaned up a bit. The best architectural elements are the decorative carvings above the door and at the top of the building.

BYU: Allen Hall

(Source: BYU Archives)

Located on the southwest corner of campus, Allen Hall was BYU's first real dormitory, built in 1938. It was followed closely after by Amanda Knight Hall.

Around 1960, it housed missionaries for the LTM program (a predecessor to the MTC, now located on the opposite corner of BYU's campus). Now, it houses the Office of Public Archaeology, the Museum of Peoples and Cultures, and a few other programs.

You'll notice the tall wooden decoration--I'm assuming that has something to do with the museum. You'll also notice the box covered with a trap--it looks like it's something people use to practice digging up artifacts.

The interior really looks like it is housing a ton of items:

I am a bit concerned for this building. Supposedly, the Museum of People and Cultures will shortly be transferred to the Outdoors Unlimited Building north of campus. What will that mean for this building? I hope that it isn't torn down.

BYU: Karl G. Maeser Building

Universities tend to showcase some of the best architecture that groups and cultures have to offer. That is not really the case at BYU--in fact, with the exception of the Maeser, Grant, and Brimhall buildings, most of upper campus is void of distinctive architectural features. This is mostly because the Church is extremely frugal when considering its expenditures--turning BYU into what it is today was no easy feat, and is largely thanks to the efforts of Ernest L. Wilkinson, under the support of President David O. McKay.

(Image Source: BYU Archives)

This post studies the Maeser Building, the oldest building on upper campus.

(Image Source: BYU Archives)

The Maeser Building is a beautiful piece of work and a fitting reminder of BYU's history.

Over the course of time, the Building underwent a number of changes. In 1985, it underwent a major renovation, and everything was removed except the original walls. The goal was to restore its original layout and feel. They did a good job of doing that, including restoring the Maeser Lecture Hall:

(Image Source: BYU Archives)

My favorite elements of this building are the details around the doors, as well as the two open staircases.