Billings Student Center

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Location: 48 University Place
Built: circa 1883-1885; extended 1889; basement remodeled 1970
Builder/Architect: Henry Hobson Richardson
Original Name: Billings Library

Billings Library, one of the most famous structures on the campus, was financed by alumnus Frederick Billings as a gift to the University of Vermont. The then president of the Northern Pacific Railroad (and for whom Billings, Montana, is named),¹ Billings commissioned noted architect Henry Hobson Richardson for the endeavor. Richardson's sole structure in the state of Vermont, Billings Library is an outstanding example of the architectural style named for him: Richardsonian-Romanesque. (Among his other credits are Trinity Church in Boston, MA; the State Capitol in Albany, NY; and the Allegheny County Courthouse in Pittsburgh, PA.) Its most distinctive exterior features are the sandstone construction, elaborate carvings, stone towers and black slate roof.² The interior is just as imposing with its 2-story entrance hall and oversized fireplace. The apse, just off the entrance hall, is also impressive, with its elaborate detailing and second-story balcony. Although the building was reportedly electrified in 1911, many of the original gas lighting fixtures are still in evidence.³

Almost immediately after its completion and dedication in 1885, however, Billings had the building enlarged. The final structure was intended to accommodate 20,000 books and 175 students – given the based on the approximate enrollment of 350 students at the time.⁴ In 1894 Billings reportedly held 45,000 volumes and was also open to the public – however those who were not associated with the university had to seek permission from the UVM president to borrow books.⁵

After World War II, the student rolls tripled, and it became evident that a new library was sorely needed.⁶ The Guy. W. Bailey Memorial Library (now the Bailey-Howe Library) was subsequently opened in 1961, and in 1963 Billings was extensively remodeled into a student center.

1984 saw additional construction in the addition of a connecting subterranean structure between Billings and the Ira Allen Chapel next door, which took two years to complete.⁷

Billings Student Center is listed as part of the University Green Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

1. Provost, David, UVM Billings History, http://www.uvm.edu/campus/billings/billingsprovost/billingshistoryprovost.html, (12/2/99).
2. Visser, Thomas, Billings Student Center – History, http://www.uvm.edu/campus/billings/billingshistory.html, (1999)
3. Ibid.
4. Blow, David, Historic Guide to Burlington Neighborhoods, VII (Chittenden County Historical Society, 1997).
5. Auld, Joseph, Picturesque Burlington (Burlington, VT: Free Press Association, 1894), 88.
6. Blow.
7. Visser.