Williams Hall

Williams Hall is located on the campus of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. It is the home of Miami University's Department of Journalism and Department of Communications.HistoryEarly historyWilliams Hall was constructed in 1959 primarily for the use of the communication department at Miami University and for the use of WMUB studios, Miami’s campus radio broadcasting station. Prior to the completion of Williams Hall, all broadcasting equipment was housed on the second floor of Harrison Hall. After completion of Williams Hall, the classrooms were cramped due to the need to soundproof rooms for WMUB. Also, Williams Hall only had one bathroom in the entire building. This space proved to be too limited for the direction WMUB and Miami University were headed.Renovation grantIn 1984, Miami University acquired a state-funded grant to renovate the mass communications department in Williams Hall. The $2.2–million grant was appropriated for renovations and additions to the building. The project involved adding and enlarging classrooms, accumulating more restrooms, and building internal and external accesses for the handicapped. This addition was needed for the increase in students and courses in the communication department since the opening of Williams Hall.After receiving this grant from the state, Miami University began making plans to complete the project by early 1986. At the same time that construction was happening on Williams Hall, Gaskill, Boyd, and Robertson halls were also being modernized, totaling a $6.5 million renovation. Williams Hall ended up using $3.1 million of this (including the $2.2 million grant) because of changes needed to meet stricter codes.In addition to enlarging classroom size, Miami also wanted to enhance Williams Hall to look more like a Miami building. They lowered the building to allow for entry at all floor levels. Due to the expansion, the parking lot around Williams was significantly reduced. Additionally, asbestos was removed from the building due to health reasons.