The University of Oregon has reopened the two oldest buildings on its Eugene campus, following structural upgrades.

University Hall— formerly known as Deady Hall —was UO’s first building, completed in 1876. Villard Hall was the second, opening in 1886.

For the past two years, UO said it’s been updating those buildings with new HVAC systems, disability accommodations, and steel and concrete supports.

Tim Allenbaugh, an owner’s representative with UO Design and Construction, said the goal is to bring the halls into “the modern era.” He said they were deconstructed and put back together.

“These are unreinforced masonry buildings that have been standing for a long time, not affected by any seismic events thus far, but we're trying to avoid that,” said Allenbaugh. “We basically built a bu

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