When I first visited the University of Oregon campus in April 2022, I remember being entranced by how spacious and breathtaking it was. Immediately being drawn to campus in this way, it’s no surprise that non-students love to take walks and enjoy the beauty of UO’s environment.
The only thing that restricts campus from perfection is its constant change due to the demolition of old buildings and the construction of new halls.
With Hamilton Hall’s final demolition after its 60-plus years of existence, a new green space is being added to commemorate Humpy Lumpy Lawn, which Unthank Hall took over in 2021.
Campbell Williams is a UO senior who lived in Hamilton Hall his freshman year.
“It was always fun to talk to people who have graduated about Hamilton since it’s been around for so long, so it’s sad to hear future classes aren’t going to be able to experience that. The dorm was pretty rough, but it did have a lot of character, and if I could go back, I wouldn’t have picked a different building to live in,” Williams said.
I take campus runs when the weather permits it, and it seems like every time I do, a sidewalk is fenced off, making it difficult to enjoy the run and the views of campus altogether.
UO senior Kaitlyn Fletter lived in the dorm hall Kalapuya Ilihi prior to its period of temporary closure due to structural issues.
“Although it is nice to have a new up-and-coming campus, the university should be more considerate about its current students and the fact that no one wants their campus to look like an ugly construction site all the time,” Fletter said. “I think it would be better if UO planned to do construction all at once rather than in increments.”
Although some of UO’s buildings are outdated, the rich history and unique architecture are what entrances visitors and students alike.
Unfortunately, things do change, and with East 13th Avenue reimagining itself yet again, more fences align the perimeter of campus on top of on-campus construction.
“It really doesn’t feel like it used to. I hate walking by the fences and sectioned-off buildings. It feels like such an eyesore compared to the rest of campus,” Williams said. “I was pretty upset to see them demolishing Espresso Roma. It feels like they’re taking all of the character out of the area and replacing it with these big buildings that don’t look good.”
The restructuring of old, unstable buildings is beneficial in itself, but when classes are in session and thousands of students roam the university, it’s difficult reconnecting with the beautiful campus I once enjoyed.
Who would want their beautiful campus to hide behind fences and bright, orange cones? I know I surely don’t.
Gregg Lovan • Jan 24, 2026 at 7:45 pm
Such a disappointment to hear of what sounds like too much construction. I reflect constantly on the happiest years of my life at UO ’67-71′ and have had many wonderful walks through the campus over the years, breaking away from my family and friends to just wander and reflect, on the beauty of my school and memories. I hope that my next visit finds the dust settled and some old architecture remaining.
Charlie • Jan 23, 2026 at 12:53 pm
Does any of this construction improve academic achievement? Is UOwe any more affordable and accessible without huge amounts if debt? Of course not, so ultimately the debt required for all this does nothing for the longterm benefit of students, nor OR taxpayers.