Condon Hall

Condon Hall Seattle Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction: The Significance of Condon Hall

Condon Hall, officially known as John T. Condon Hall, is a landmark of Brutalist architecture and academic history on the University of Washington (UW) campus in Seattle. Completed in 1973 as the original home for the UW School of Law, Condon Hall’s bold, geometric concrete forms reflect the signature style of its era and the ambitions of a rapidly growing university. Designed by Mitchell/Giurgola with Joyce / Copeland / Vaughan / Nordfors, the building has since evolved into an innovation hub—now housing Startup Hall and the CoMotion Innovation Center—mirroring Seattle’s transformation into a center for entrepreneurship and technology.

Its central location on Campus Parkway ensures easy access via public transit, and the building’s accessibility features accommodate all visitors. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, prospective student, or visitor interested in Seattle’s academic and cultural heritage, Condon Hall offers a compelling window into both past and present. For current visitor information and events, consult the University of Washington’s official resources (SHED Built; Wikipedia; Washington Wiki).

Origins and Construction
Architectural and Academic Legacy
Law School Era
Adaptive Reuse and Innovation
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Nearby Attractions and Recommendations
Preservation and Community Value
Condon Hall in Seattle’s Urban Growth
Notable Events and Milestones
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plan Your Visit

Origins and Construction

Condon Hall was constructed during a period of significant growth at the University of Washington in the early 1970s. The building’s design was the result of a collaboration between the Philadelphia firm Mitchell/Giurgola and Seattle’s Joyce / Copeland / Vaughan / Nordfors. Completed in 1973 and opened in 1974, Condon Hall was named in honor of Thomas Condon, a noted geologist and educator, reflecting the university’s tradition of recognizing influential academic figures.

The project was part of a broader campus expansion, providing modern facilities for legal education. The building’s layout originally included a substantial law library, classrooms, faculty offices, and communal spaces—all arranged to foster collaboration and scholarship (SHED Built).

Architectural and Academic Legacy

As a prominent example of Brutalist architecture, Condon Hall is distinguished by its fortress-like, poured-in-place concrete exterior and geometric forms. The building’s robust structure was engineered for seismic resilience—a key consideration in earthquake-prone Seattle (Washington Wiki). Its design garnered early professional recognition, including a 1976 Citation of Excellence from the AIA Philadelphia Chapter and a 1977 Distinguished Building Award from the Pennsylvania Society of Architects (PCAD).

Despite its accolades, the building’s narrow corridors and windowless classrooms were criticized for creating an austere atmosphere, contributing to the law school’s eventual move to William H. Gates Hall in 2003 (Wikipedia).

Law School Era (1973–2003)

For three decades, Condon Hall served as the home of the UW School of Law. The building was a hub for legal education, housing thousands of students, faculty, and visiting scholars. The law library was especially notable for its extensive collection and regional significance.

Classrooms and seminar spaces accommodated various teaching styles, while faculty offices and student lounges fostered a vibrant academic community. The building’s central location within the University District made it a landmark for both the campus and broader Seattle community (Mapcarta).

Adaptive Reuse and Innovation

After the law school relocated, Condon Hall entered a new chapter. Initially, it provided temporary surge space for other university departments, before undergoing a major renovation in the 2010s. This adaptive reuse project transformed the building into Startup Hall, later the CoMotion Innovation Center, preserving its architectural integrity while creating flexible workspaces for startups and entrepreneurs.

The redesign exposed the original concrete framework, introduced collaborative spaces, and reflected contemporary trends in workplace design. Today, Condon Hall is a nexus of innovation, stimulating collaboration among students, faculty, and the broader Seattle tech community (SHED Built).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Location: 1100 NE Campus Parkway, Seattle, WA 98195 (Washington Wiki)
Visiting Hours: Generally open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Hours may vary with university events or holidays.
Admission: Free; no tickets required.
Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms are available.
Guided Tours: Occasional guided tours are offered through the UW Visitor Center.
Getting There: Served by King County Metro buses and the Link light rail; visitor parking is limited, so public transit is encouraged.

Nearby Attractions and Recommendations

While visiting Condon Hall, explore other UW and Seattle landmarks:

Suzzallo Library: Renowned for its Gothic architecture and grand reading room.
Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture: Exhibits on regional natural and cultural history.
Henry Art Gallery: Contemporary and modern art exhibitions.
University Village: Shopping and dining just minutes from campus.
Burke-Gilman Trail: Scenic route for walking or cycling.
Seattle Center: Space Needle, museums, and theaters a short transit ride away.

Preservation and Community Value

Although not formally listed as a historic landmark, Condon Hall is recognized by local preservationists as a significant example of 20th-century institutional architecture. Organizations like Historic Seattle advocate for the preservation and thoughtful adaptation of such structures (Historic Seattle). The building’s ongoing use as a hub for entrepreneurship exemplifies successful adaptive reuse, balancing heritage with modern needs.

Condon Hall and Seattle’s Urban Growth

Condon Hall’s evolution mirrors the transformation of both the University of Washington and the city of Seattle. Its construction marked a period of campus expansion and modernization. Its later role as Startup Hall reflects Seattle’s emergence as a center for technology and innovation, demonstrating how historic buildings can be repurposed to serve new generations (SHED Built).

Notable Events and Milestones

Over the decades, Condon Hall has hosted moot court competitions, legal conferences, entrepreneurship workshops, and community gatherings. The building’s adaptive reuse and ongoing programming make it a living example of the intersection between historic preservation and innovation (SHED Built).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Condon Hall open to the public?
Yes, during standard university hours. Some areas may be restricted to university affiliates or event registrants.

Are tickets required to visit?
No, admission is free and unticketed.

Are guided tours available?
Occasionally, through the UW Visitor Center.

Is Condon Hall accessible?
Yes, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

How do I get there on public transit?
King County Metro buses and the Link light rail serve the area; see King County Metro.

Where can I park?
Visitor parking is limited; use public transit or university lots as available.

Can I take photos?
Yes, but be respectful of ongoing academic activities; professional equipment may require permission.

Plan Your Visit

Condon Hall is a distinctive piece of Seattle’s architectural and academic landscape. For the latest visitor updates, guided tour schedules, and event information, consult the University of Washington Visitor Center and CoMotion websites. Enhance your experience by downloading the Audiala app for curated guides and multimedia content.

View Condon Hall on Map

Explore more Seattle historical sites: Seattle Landmarks.

Summary and Visitor Recommendations

Condon Hall exemplifies the evolution of mid-century architecture and adaptive reuse in an academic setting. Its award-winning design, seismic resilience, and innovative programming make it a noteworthy destination for anyone interested in Seattle’s history, architecture, or entrepreneurial spirit. Proximity to other University District landmarks adds further value to your visit. For an optimal experience, check university calendars for tours and events, and consider using public transit for easy access.