The major renovation of historic Withycombe Hall transformed an outdated, aged building into a flexible, innovative teaching and research environment that serves OSU’s agricultural science programs of Animal & Rangeland Sciences and Food Science & Technology–key to the University’s identity as a Land Grant institution.

Originally built in 1952 as a creamery and an animal research facility, Withycombe Hall now welcomes a fully functioning Dairy Pilot Plant back into the building to support small-batch production and innovation in cheese and ice cream-making, while also adding a Wine Pilot Plant to further OSU’s enology education. As the home for Animal & Rangeland Sciences, the revitalized building brings most of the program’s faculty, staff and research space together under one roof. A new shared Kitchen Lab improves collaboration opportunities across both programs, while a public-facing Beaver Classic Store serves as a business incubator allowing Agricultural Science & Technology departments to market and sell OSU-made agricultural products (including ice cream!). Environmental graphics and design strategies tell the story of these vital industries, reinforcing the legacy of OSU and its connections with the broader state of Oregon, while the integration of wood elements throughout the building lend warm, earthy juxtaposition to the pristine lab spaces.

The newly complete Withycombe Hall contains state-of-the-art spaces for research and teaching supporting the advancement of science in these vital agricultural disciplines. Along with serving as an educational tool for sustainability, the building was designed through a lens of universal access to expand the range of educational opportunities and career possibilities for all Oregonians.