Standing at the intersection of College Avenue and Copeland Street in Tallahassee, the James D. Westcott, Jr. Memorial Building functions as the definitive visual anchor for Florida State University (FSU). Known more commonly as the Westcott Building, this structure is far more than an administrative hub; it is a repository of century-old traditions, a survivor of a devastating fire, and a masterpiece of Collegiate Gothic architecture. For students, alumni, and visitors alike, the building represents the evolution of the institution from its origins as the Florida State College for Women (FSCW) to its current status as a preeminent public research university.

The Westcott Building is the primary focal point of the campus, housing the offices of the University President and the Provost. It also contains the renowned Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, the university’s premier venue for the performing arts. Beyond its practical functions, the building and its surrounding plaza are steeped in campus lore, ranging from the lighthearted 21st-birthday tradition at the Westcott Fountain to the somber historical legends of Gallows Hill.

The Origins of a Landmark: From 1909 to the Modern Era

The story of the Westcott Building begins in the early 20th century, a period of significant reorganization for higher education in Florida. Following the Buckman Act of 1905, the Florida State College in Tallahassee was designated as the Florida State College for Women. As enrollment grew, the need for a centralized administrative and academic facility became urgent.

Construction and Early Identity

Construction on what was then known simply as the Administration Building began in 1909. Designed by architect William Augustus Edwards, the building was completed and occupied by 1911. At that time, it served as the functional heart of a much smaller campus, providing space for classrooms, administrative offices, and the college library. Its prominent location atop a hill ensured it was visible from the state capital, symbolizing the close relationship between the university and the city of Tallahassee.

For the first twenty-five years of its existence, the building was the primary center of student life for the women attending the college. It was the place where they registered for classes, met with administrators, and gathered for assemblies in the auditorium. The red brick facade and rising towers became synonymous with the academic rigor and social grace of the Florida State College for Women.

Honoring James D. Westcott, Jr.

In 1936, the Board of Control officially renamed the structure the James D. Westcott, Jr. Memorial Building. The naming was a tribute to a man who, though he lived decades before the building was constructed, played a crucial role in the survival of the university's predecessor. James Diament Westcott, Jr., a former Florida Supreme Court Justice and Attorney General, had passed away in 1887. In his will, he bequeathed a significant portion of his estate—valued at approximately $100,000 at the time—to the West Florida Seminary, which would eventually become FSU.

This endowment was a lifeline for the institution during lean financial years, and the renaming of the administration building ensured that Westcott’s contribution would be remembered by every generation of students. Today, a portrait of Westcott hangs within the building, serving as a reminder of the philanthropic roots that allowed the university to flourish.

Architectural Splendor of the Collegiate Gothic Style

The Westcott Building is perhaps most famous for its stunning architecture. It is a prime example of the Collegiate Gothic style, an architectural movement that gained popularity among elite American universities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This style was intended to evoke the academic prestige and historical continuity of the ancient universities of Oxford and Cambridge in England.

Defining Features of the Facade

The most striking features of the Westcott Building are its twin square towers that flank the main entrance. These towers, topped with decorative crenellations and stone masonry, give the building a fortress-like appearance that signifies stability and permanence. The exterior is composed of deep red bricks, which have become the signature building material for the entire FSU campus, creating a cohesive aesthetic known as "FSU Red."

Observers will notice the intricate stone carvings around the arched entryways and windows. These ornamental details, often featuring quatrefoils and pointed arches, are hallmarks of the Gothic Revival. The heavy wooden doors at the main entrance lead into a grand lobby that maintains the historical atmosphere of the exterior, with high ceilings and polished floors that have seen the footsteps of tens of thousands of graduates.

Symbolism in Stone

The choice of Collegiate Gothic was not merely aesthetic; it was a deliberate statement about the university's mission. By mirroring the architecture of historic European institutions, Florida State was asserting its place in the global tradition of higher learning. The verticality of the design, with its upward-reaching towers and tall windows, was meant to inspire students to reach for higher intellectual and moral standards. Even as modern glass-and-steel structures have risen elsewhere on campus, Westcott remains the standard by which all other FSU architecture is measured.

The Night the Heart Burned: The 1969 Fire and Restoration

One of the most dramatic chapters in the history of the Westcott Building occurred on the night of April 19, 1969. A devastating fire broke out within the building, threatening to destroy the university's most iconic landmark. The blaze was fierce, gutting much of the interior and causing the roof to collapse.

The Impact of the Blaze

While the exterior brick walls remained standing, the damage to the inside was nearly total. Offices were destroyed, and the university's administrative records were put at severe risk. The fire was a traumatic event for the campus community, as the building was not just an office space but a symbol of the university’s identity. The cause of the fire was debated, but the focus quickly shifted from the "why" to the "how" of saving the structure.

During the initial assessment, there were fears that the building might have to be demolished. However, the emotional attachment of the alumni and the historical value of the Collegiate Gothic shell led to a decision to restore rather than replace. This decision preserved the architectural heritage of FSU for future generations.

Restoration and the Hidden Fourth Floor

The restoration process lasted several years, with the interior being completely rebuilt to modern standards. Interestingly, the restoration allowed for an expansion of usable space. Prior to the fire, the building’s fourth floor was essentially an attic with limited functionality. Architects used the rebuilding opportunity to convert this space into a fully functional floor for offices, increasing the building's administrative capacity.

When the building officially reopened in 1973, it looked much the same from the outside, but the interior featured updated amenities and improved safety features. The restoration also included the creation of a grander lobby space to showcase the university’s history and the portraits of its past presidents.

The Ruby Diamond Concert Hall: A Cultural Masterpiece Inside

Located within the footprint of the Westcott Building is the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, the crown jewel of FSU’s performance spaces. Originally known as the Westcott Auditorium, it was renamed in 1971 to honor Ruby Diamond, a 1905 graduate of the Florida State College for Women and a lifelong benefactor of the university.

A Legacy of Performance

For decades, the auditorium served as the primary gathering place for the university. It hosted everything from student orientations and graduation ceremonies to world-class musical performances. As the College of Music grew into one of the most respected programs in the nation, the limitations of the original 1911 space became apparent.

The $38 Million Transformation

Between 2008 and 2010, the auditorium underwent a massive, $38-million renovation and expansion. The project was not merely a cosmetic update; it was a complete overhaul designed to turn the space into a world-class concert hall. The renovation improved the acoustics to professional standards, increased the seating capacity to approximately 1,200, and added modern stage technology.

The result is a breathtaking venue that blends the historic charm of the Westcott Building with cutting-edge performance capabilities. The interior features warm wood paneling, an expansive proscenium, and an atmosphere of elegance that makes it a favorite for both performers and audiences. Today, it remains the primary home for the University Symphony Orchestra and hosts various touring artists and speakers throughout the year.

Traditions and Symbols: The Westcott Fountain and Beyond

No discussion of the Westcott Building is complete without mentioning the Westcott Fountain, which sits directly in front of the building in the center of a circular plaza. The fountain is perhaps the most photographed spot on the entire campus and serves as the backdrop for thousands of graduation photos every year.

The 21st Birthday Tradition

The fountain is the site of one of FSU’s most famous (and unofficial) traditions. On a student’s 21st birthday, it is customary for their friends to carry them to the Westcott Fountain and toss them into the water at midnight. It is a rite of passage that signifies the transition into adulthood and a deep-seated connection to the university community. While the university officially discourages climbing into the fountain for safety and preservation reasons, the tradition persists as a beloved part of the "Seminole" experience.

The Gift of the Classes

The original fountain was a gift from the graduating classes of 1915 and 1917 of the Florida State College for Women. Over the decades, the structure began to fail due to its age and the constant exposure to water. In 1988, the original fountain was replaced with a replica that stands today. Despite being a newer structure, it maintains the exact look and feel of the original, preserving the historical continuity of the plaza.

The Brick Program and Heritage

Surrounding the fountain is a plaza paved with thousands of bricks. Each brick is engraved with the name of a student, alumnus, faculty member, or friend of the university. The "Westcott Brick Program" allows individuals to leave a permanent mark on the campus, contributing to the university’s scholarship and beautification funds. Walking through the plaza, one can read the names and dates that span over a century, illustrating the vast network of people who have been shaped by their time at Florida State.

Haunted Grounds: The Dark History of Gallows Hill

While the Westcott Building is a place of celebration today, its location has a much darker history that predates the university. The hill upon which Westcott sits was known in the 1830s and 1840s as "Gallows Hill."

A Site of Executions

During the early years of Tallahassee’s history, this elevated ground was the site of public executions. Historical records indicate that several individuals were hanged here for various crimes. The most famous legend involves a man who was allegedly hanged for a crime he did not commit, leading to a long history of ghost stories associated with the site.

Ghost Stories and Campus Lore

Many students and staff have reported strange occurrences in and around the Westcott Building at night. Stories of phantom footsteps in the hallways, mysterious lights in the towers, and the feeling of being watched near the fountain have circulated for generations. Some believe the "executed dead" still haunt the grounds. While these stories are largely regarded as campus folklore, they add a layer of mystique to the building, making it a popular stop on local ghost tours and a frequent subject of late-night student speculation.

The Evolution of Westcott Plaza and the Legacy Walk

In recent decades, the area surrounding the Westcott Building has been transformed into the starting point for the "Legacy Walk." This initiative was designed to guide pedestrians through the historic core of the campus, highlighting the individuals and events that have shaped FSU.

Beautification and Preservation

Under various university presidencies, particularly during the early 2000s, the Westcott area underwent significant beautification. Asphalt roads that once circled the fountain were replaced with green spaces, landscaping featuring holly ferns and azaleas, and more brickwork. This turned the plaza into a pedestrian-friendly park, further cementing its status as the university’s front door.

Navigating Modern Perspectives

The Westcott Plaza has also been a site for the university to reflect on its history. For many years, a statue of Francis Eppes, a key figure in the founding of the university’s predecessor, stood near the building as part of the Legacy Walk. However, as the university community re-evaluated Eppes' historical record regarding his role as a plantation owner and his views on slavery, the statue became a point of contention.

In 2018, following student referendums and task force recommendations, the university moved the statue to a different location, and in 2021, it was removed from public display entirely. This evolution reflects how the Westcott Building and its surrounding grounds continue to be a dynamic space where the university's past, present, and future values intersect.

Conclusion: The Soul of the University

The Westcott Building is much more than the sum of its bricks and mortar. It is a symbol of resilience, having survived the transition between college identities and the literal flames of 1969. It is a center of culture, where the sounds of the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall fill the air. And it is a place of community, where students celebrate milestones at the fountain and alumni return to find their names etched in stone.

As Florida State University continues to grow and evolve, the Westcott Building stands as a constant. Its twin towers remain the first thing a new student sees when they look down College Avenue and the last thing a graduate remembers as they leave. It is the heart of the university, beating with the history of the past and the aspirations of the future.

Summary of Key Facts

  • Built: 1909–1911.
  • Architect: William Augustus Edwards.
  • Style: Collegiate Gothic.
  • Naming: Renamed in 1936 for James D. Westcott, Jr., a major benefactor.
  • The 1969 Fire: Destroyed the interior but preserved the exterior shell; led to the addition of a fourth floor.
  • Main Features: Twin towers, Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, Westcott Fountain.
  • Cultural Significance: The start of FSU’s Legacy Walk and the site of 21st-birthday traditions.

FAQ

Is the Westcott Building the oldest building on FSU's campus? While the Westcott Building is one of the oldest and most historic, Bryan Hall (constructed in 1908) is technically the oldest standing structure on the Florida State University campus.

Can you tour the inside of the Westcott Building? The building primarily houses administrative offices, including those of the President. While the lobby and the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall are often accessible during business hours or events, most of the administrative offices are not open for public tours.

Why is the fountain so important to FSU students? The Westcott Fountain is the ultimate symbol of being a "Seminole." It represents tradition, academic achievement (graduation photos), and the social rite of passage associated with 21st birthdays.

What is the "Gallows Hill" history? Before the university was established, the site was a public execution ground in the 1830s. This history has given rise to numerous ghost stories and legends that are still told on campus today.

Who was Ruby Diamond? Ruby Diamond was a graduate of the Florida State College for Women (Class of 1905) and a prominent philanthropist who donated to over 37 organizations and left a lasting legacy at FSU.