Ordway Hall
Amarillo, Potter County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Architect Guy Carlander designed this administration building for Amarillo College. It was built in 1936-37 and later named for George Ordway, who with James Guleke obtained legislative authority to establish the school; Ordway later became the first president. The L-plan building consists of an auditorium and a two-story classroom and office wing with 19 bays terminating in a four-story tower. Geometric Art Deco style elements such as chevrons, flutes and parallel bands accent the buff brick and cast stone exterior. Sculpted terra cotta panels on the corners depict gnomes reading and writing. Interior materials include buff and red brick walls and terrazzo floors with diamond and mosaic patterns.Recorded Texas Historic Landmark-2008
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built in 1936–37 to a design by architect Guy Carlander, Ordway Hall served as the administration building for Amarillo College and was named for George Ordway, who helped win the legislative authority to found the school and became its first president. Its buff-brick, L-shaped form rises to a four-story tower and is dressed in crisp Art Deco ornament — chevrons, flutes, and terra-cotta panels of gnomes at their books. Inside, terrazzo floors and patterned brick carry the same careful craftsmanship.
Why it matters
The building captures the ambitious 1930s expansion of public higher education in Texas and stands as a fine regional example of the Art Deco style that defined civic architecture between the wars.
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Related people
- · Guy Carlander
- · George Ordway
- · James Guleke
Themes & tags
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