(06-04-2020 09:35 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(05-31-2020 10:26 PM)novachap Wrote:  

(05-30-2020 08:37 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  I am now "studying" the Villanova University campus in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania, via Google Maps. As noted, and regarding Big East campuses, I am geographically moving from east to west. We've touched on the Providence, Connecticut, Saint John's and Seton Hal campuses. As to Villanova ...

The Saint Thomas of Villanova Church is the centerpiece — and an architectural masterpiece — of what is a very suburban-sited (very lush/green) and geographically large campus (260 acres) for a Big East university. The campus has nodes/pockets of buildings (Main, West and South campuses) that are "severed" from one another by some dead space. The "feel" of the overall campus seems very low-key (almost pastoral). There are lots of very nice stone buildings — with each bearing a cross (I like that). The Grotto (lots of trees) seems to offer a nice vibe (as seen from on high via Google Maps).

Photos of St. Thomas of Villanova Monastery and Corr Hall suggest very beautiful buildings.

The William B. Finneran Pavilion, the 6,501-seat arena used for some Wildcat basketball games, ranks as one of the more distinctive buildings I've seen on a college campus. In terms of the exterior design, it is alternatingly ugly yet oddly interesting.

The "old-school" entrance to the football stadium is tremendous. Strong.

There is no "strip" but, rather, a few eateries (Winger's, Nova Grille and Campus Corner Pizza) in quirky 1960s-era buildings and then a recent suburban development with a Starbucks and some other restaurants.

I would be curious to get the thoughts of any Villanova fans regarding the campus.

Bill, nice recap. The growth at the school since I graduated in 81 is pretty remarkable.

You mentioned the chapel, which is beautiful. Right next to it are 2 of the most interesting buildings on the campus. First, is Tolentine Hall. A monstrosity of a building, houses multiple classrooms, offices and abuts to the residence of the Augustinians. The other building is Alumni Hall, the oldest on campus. At one point served as a hospital for the civil war and has a gym in it that the original teams played in. Became a dorm... prior to the campus going co-ed it housed a number of famous alumni / attendees-including Jim Croce and Don McClean. Became a Girls dorm--think it still is and most importantly that is where the future Mrs. lived.

On the west side of the campus is the law school and across the street from that is St. Mary's. That was the seminary for the Augies, but then it converted to the Nursing school (subsequently moved to its own new building) and a men's dorm. That used to be the border of the campus on that side. The school acquired the Morris (original signer of the Declaration of Independence) Estate and that became the seminary and allowed for a massive expansion of residences and athletic fields on that side of the campus.

As you said, lots of trees and an attractive campus. The pavilion is is an "interesting" building. Also known as the ski lodge it unfortunately can't be expanded due to local zoning but with the recent renovations inside, the game day experience is pretty cool. Just across the street from the Pavilion is the Davis Center--- the hub of Nova hoops. Practice facilities, courts, offices etc. Trophy cases. Newer building and very nice.

Really enjoyed my time there and get back out to campus whenever I can.

Thanks for responding, N-Chap. I plan to check Tolentine, Davis Center and Alumni and will give you my thoughts this weekend.

I did not know Croce and McClean were VU grads. Very cool.

You attended an outstanding university.

Croce graduated in 1965.

Mcclean was only there a semester---finished with a degree from Ionia (night school) I believe. Just interesting they both were in that building.