Timeline

The University of Washington acknowledges the Coast Salish peoples of this land, the land which touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Suquamish, Tulalip and Muckleshoot nations.

Our acknowledgement of the tribes and bands within the Suquamish, Tulalip and Muckleshoot nations comes from consultation and guidance by the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs and Federal regulations and policies. In this phrasing, we are adhering to tribal sovereignty.

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On November 4, 1861, the Territorial University of Washington began classes in a building located on a site now occupied by the Olympic Hotel. The University was on the outskirts of the village of Seattle, which had a population of 250. (The 1860 census identified 302 people in King County.)

In the three decades from the University's founding in 1861, Seattle had grown from a little village of 250 to a city of over 50,000 in 1891. The city had surrounded the ten-acre campus. Existing buildings were overcrowded and poorly maintained. There was a need to relocate the campus to a site that would allow for expansion and, in the opinion of the Regents, to remove it "to a distance from the excitements and temptations incident to city life and its environments."

1937

Hansee Hall is the oldest residence hall at the university. It is named after Martha Lois Hansee. Hansee was Dean of Women and a professor of Greek Language and Literature who taught at the university from 1881 to 1884 and again from 1895 to 1903. 

Hansee Hall’s wings are named after Northwest women pioneers:

• Eliza Leary, the daughter of the first governor of Washington
• Isabella Austin, the first dean of women
• Ruth McKee, the first woman member of the Board of Regents
• Kathryn Blaine, the first Seattle schoolteacher

1946–1948

Temporary residence halls around Frosh Pond—Rainier, Olympus, Cascade, and Baker— to be replaced by academic buildings.

1953

On West Campus, Terry Hall, named after one of the first original land donors, opens and is the first high-rise residence hall complete with phones in each room. Room and Board in 1953 was $190 per quarter.

1957

Attached to Terry, Lander Hall, named after Seattle pioneer Edward Lander, opens.

1962

McCarty Hall, named after the UW’s 1st woman graduate, Clara McCarty, opens. 

1963

Haggett Hall opens as the first coed residence hall and is named after Dean of Liberal Arts Arthur Haggett and Winifred Haggett, Dean of Women.

1965

McMahon Hall, originally intended for graduate students, named after the McMahons, Edward, Professor of History and Teresa, economics and business teacher, opens as the first cluster arrangement.

1969

The original Mercer Hall opens, named after UW’s first president, Asa Mercer.

1983

Stevens Court Apartments, named after Isaac Stevens, first territorial governor of Washington, opens.

1997

Commodore Duchess Apartments, originally built in 1920s, is purchased by the UW around 1960. HFS maintenance, custodial offices and shop operated out of the basement during the 1970s, until the building was shut down in 1992 due to its poor condition. Renovated and re-opened as a public-private partnership.

2000

The first Sistainability Policy is established laying the groundwork to incorporate the three pillars of sustainability—environmental, economic, and social considerations.

2001—2002

Radford Court opens, replacing post-World War II era Sandpoint Family Housing, and is named after Admiral Arthur William Radford, Commander of Sand Point naval base.

Ian’s Domain, an internet café, opens in McCarty Hall, and was named after the late Ian McHarg, Assistant Director for Computing Services (prior to the name change to IT).

2002

Husky Den at the HUB (1950) is given a major remodeling and introduction of the food courts concept. McMahon Food Service is remodeled and becomes The 8.

2003

Nordheim Court, honoring Sandra Nordheim, past Director of HFS, opens. Catering moves to the former Haggett kitchen.

2004

Terry Café is remodeled and becomes Eleven 01.

2007

Bay Laurel Catering begins serving UW.

2010

The first food trucks open when the Husky Den is closed during remodeling at the HUB.

2011

Development on West Campus

• Poplar Hall opens
• Cedar Apartments open

2012

• Elm Hall opens
• Cultivate Restaurant opens in Elm Hall
• Alder Hall opens
• District Market, including Husky Grind, opens
• Gender Inclusive Housing is offered for the first time

2013

• The new Mercer Court opens
• Husky Grind Mercer opens

2014

• New Lander Hall opens
• Local Point in Lander Hall opens

2015

• New Terry Hall opens
• Maple Hall opens

2018

The entire north campus boasts a unique relationship between the landscape and the built environment. The buildings, pathways and landscape are carefully integrated to create a Pacific Northwest national park-like environment to the east.

North Campus openings:

• Willow Hall
• McCarty Hall
• Madrona Hall
• Center Table

Following the success of Area 01’s Dabble Lab on West Campus, HFS opened a second makerspace on North Campus. The MILL located in McCarty Hall is home to state-of-the-art equipment used for student projects, workshops, events, and more. 

2021

Oak Hall is opened to students as the newest residence hall on North Campus. The new building is home to Denny Cafe and the Denny Room and situated next to the replacement of the historic Denny Field.