Places Directory
This directory provides the proper names of Lawrence campus buildings, landmarks, and notable spaces — as well as the history behind them. If you spot an error or an oversight, please email christy.lynch@ku.edu.
University Press Warehouse
The one-floor press warehouse, which has 7,000 square feet, adjoins the Public Safety Building, southeast of the University Press.
University Seal
The Class of 1997 gave this reproduction of the University Seal depicting Moses kneeling before the burning bush. The image is surrounded by a Latin inscription that in English means, “I will see this great vision in which the bush does not burn.”
Vietnam War Memorial
On May 25, 1986, KU's Vietnam War Memorial, the first on-campus commemoration in the nation, was dedicated. It honors 59 students and alumni who died or were declared missing in the conflict.
Wagnon Student-Athlete Center
Major renovations and additions to the Allen Fieldhouse complex in 2009 enhanced this service center for student athletes, coaches and staff, and KU Athletics. The name honors donor Ken Wagnon.
Wakarusa Research Facility
The 20,432-square-foot building provides research and testing space for KU’s Biobehavioral Research on Autism, Intellectual and Neurodevelopmental disabilities (BRAIN) Lab.
Warehouse
Part of the Facilities Services Complex, the building has offices and shops for carpenters, painters, plumbers, steamfitters, locksmiths, moving crew, storage, recycling facilities, etc.
Water Carrier
This bronze sculpture, 8 feet tall and weighing 3,000 pounds, signifies the importance of water to all living things. It is the gift of Clarence J. and Hazel M.
Watkins Health Services
By the 1960s, the university had outgrown Watkins Memorial Hospital, opened in January 1932.
Watkins Home
In 1937 Elizabeth M. Watkins donated funds for a residence for nurses working at Watkins Memorial Hospital, immediately north of this building; it served that purpose until 1974. The stone building was designed by State Architect Raymond Coolidge.
Watkins Scholarship Hall
In 1925, Elizabeth Miller Watkins gave $75,000 to fully fund and maintain the first KU women’s scholarship hall, to be named for her late husband, Lawrence banker Jabez B. Watkins.
Watson Library
Opened Sept. 11, 1924, this Collegiate Gothic-style limestone building was named for Carrie M. Watson, an 1877 and 1880 alumna who was university librarian 1887-1921. It was designed by George L. Chandler and State Architect Ray L. Gamble.
Weaver Courtyard
The Arthur D. Weaver Memorial Fountain Court on the south side of Spooner Hall was dedicated June 20, 1960, in memory of the longtime Lawrence department-store owner. It was the gift of son Arthur B. Weaver and daughter Amarette W.
Wescoe Hall
Wescoe Hall houses administrative and academic offices and classrooms for liberal arts and humanities departments.
Woodyard Plaza
This small plaza between Wescoe Hall and Budig Hall/Hoch Auditoria is paved in brick and has three benches.
World War I Memorial Walk
KU’s World War I Memorial Walk runs along Memorial Drive at the northeast corner of the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in front of the
