Construction of the new building began in February 1864 with excavation of the basement.
This was on the north section of Willamette's campus in downtown Salem.
Then on July 24, the cornerstone of the building was laid into place in a ceremony.
The President of the Board of Trustees, David Leslie, laid the cornerstone of the hall.
This ceremony included a time capsule and a speech by Governor A. C. Gibbs.

All of the bricks used in the construction were fired on campus using clay excavated from the construction site in order to build the foundation.
The builders ordered 500,000 bricks total for the construction project.
Construction was completed in 1867 and the building was named University Hall.
The school "marched" from the old school building to the new and began using it on October 21, 1867.

Total costs for the building were $40,000 at occupation with a need for approximately an additional $17,000 to finish and furnish the building.
The building was first used for classrooms, a library, parlors, recitation rooms, and some physical education in the attic.
Also in the early years the structure housed the chapel services of the school, and some temporary accommodations for students.
Construction of the new building began in February 1864 with excavation of the basement. This was on the north section of Willamette's campus in downtown Salem. Then on July 24, the cornerstone of the building was laid into place in a ceremony. The President of the Board of Trustees, David Leslie, laid the cornerstone of the hall. This ceremony included a time capsule and a speech by Governor A. C. Gibbs.
All of the bricks used in the construction were fired on campus using clay excavated from the construction site in order to build the foundation. The builders ordered 500,000 bricks total for the construction project. Construction was completed in 1867 and the building was named University Hall. The school "marched" from the old school building to the new and began using it on October 21, 1867.
Total costs for the building were $40,000 at occupation with a need for approximately an additional $17,000 to finish and furnish the building. The building was first used for classrooms, a library, parlors, recitation rooms, and some physical education in the attic. Also in the early years the structure housed the chapel services of the school, and some temporary accommodations for students.
Waller Hall