Moravian Preservation Master Plan.indb - Society for College and ...

Moravian College • Preservation Master Plan
Johnston Hall – 1952
Historical Development
Johnston Hall was built in 1952 as a modern
new field house for athletics and large events. Its
architect was the Trautwein and Howard firm of
Philadelphia, which went on to design numerous
additional buildings on campus. Johnston Hall’s
central gymnasium was designed to seat 2,400
people for games and events, and auxiliary rooms
and facilities were included around the sides. It
was initially known as College Hall, but the name
was changed in 1958 to Archibald Johnston Hall.
This change was in memory of Archibald Johnston,
first mayor of the incorporated City of Bethlehem,
a Bethlehem Steel executive, and a longtime trustee
of Moravian College and Theological Seminary
(Weinlick 1977:85). The building has a sweeping
modernist horizontal character with its low-pitched
roof, horizontal bands of windows, and deep eaves.
However, it also incorporates details reminiscent
of the eighteenth-century Moravian buildings
downtown, such as stone veneer exterior walls and
simulated buttresses.
Over its lifespan, Johnston Hall has hosted countless
athletic competitions and serves as the primary
venue for Moravian College’s indoor physical
education programs and teams. Large convocations,
banquets, concerts, and other College events have
utilized the building, and various local community
institutions have hosted events and recreation
programs there as well (Moravian College n.d.).
Signifi cance
Johnston Hall is an example of a mid-twentiethcentury
field house. It was the first new athletic
facility constructed on the North Main Street
campus after the Gymnasium was built in 1913. It
is the College’s largest interior space and provides
a diverse range of amenities, making the building
suitable for athletics, educational presentations,
ceremonies, concerts, and social events.
Integrity
Johnston Hall is in nearly original condition. Small
changes include newer doors and some interior
retrofitting, but otherwise the building has a high
level of integrity.
Figure 8-286. Johnston Hall, west side, view to north (JMA
2009).
Figure 8-288. Johnston Hall, south front, view to northwest
(JMA 2009).
Figure 8-287. Johnston Hall, south front, view to northeast (JMA
2009).
Figure 8-289. Johnston Hall, east side, view to northwest (JMA
2009).
John Milner Associates • October 2009 • Chapter 8 • Historic Buildings • 262