Oglethorpe House and Dining Commons– UGA 2217 (1963, Category 2), and UGA 2257 (1965, renovated 1990s; Category 2). Oglethorpe House is located on University Court west of South Lumpkin Street and the University’s science center. The nine-story brick high-rise was built in 1963 as a private residence hall and acquired by the University in 1979. It is named for General James Oglethorpe, founder of the Colony of Georgia. It is used as a dormitory, and often houses women varsity athletes.
Oglethorpe House is a simple tall rectangular mass with a tan brick exterior and small metal windows ganged vertically into stripes divided by the brick panels. The design is characteristic of Mid-Century Modern, but Oglethorpe House is not a distinguished example of its type. The building’s exterior brickwork appears to have water penetration issues and was under removal and replacement when observed for this plan.
Oglethorpe Dining Commons was constructed in conjunction with the high-rise and is a one-story building. The dining hall has been renovated in recent years. Although the interiors have been altered, the buildings retain integrity and appear to contribute to a National Register-eligible historic district. They are assessed as Category 2 resources.
