American Baptist Seminary of the West Hobart Hall

CITY OF BERKELEY LANDMARK 
designated in 1999  

American Baptist Seminary of the West 
Hobart Hall 
Julia Morgan, Architect, 1919

This compact complex of buildings linked by a series of arcades and academic
quads in the English tradition was created to house one of Berkeley’s earliest
seminaries. Hobart Hall, designed by Julia Morgan, is notable for its elaborate
brickwork, elegant arched north entry, and molded terra cotta decorative
detail. In 1953, architect Walter H. Ratcliff, Jr. continued the Tudor Revival
style with Johnson Hall to the east and the small chapel with a double-
gabled roof entry to the south. Additional campus buildings after
1964 reflect more modern architectural styles. Hobart
Hall was substantially remodeled in 2000.

Berkeley Historical Plaque Project 
2007