Constructed between 1909-10 and costing $20,000. Provided electricity and heat to the campus through an underground piping system. It contained two high-speed engines, 300 horse power generators, boilers, smoke-consuming stokers, and the second floor housed a variety of Roycroft groups. Groups such as the baseball team, the orchestra, and the local drama club. In February 1997 the building caught fire, and in 2004 lost two exterior walls. A complete reconstruction began in 2010 and was completed in 2012. The building is now a multi-purpose center containing the visitor center and space for meetings or classes.

Built in 1901, to meet the printing demands of the immensely popular publication “Message to Garcia.” Built from timber and stone, with a crenellated tower to top it off. It was once the most modern print shop in the world. The print and binding operations were moved from the inn into this building once it was completed. At one point there were over 200 employees working out of this building. Shipping and general admission were carried out here as well.

Built in 1899, it served as a meeting all for all the Roycrofters. It was constructed from local glacial fieldstone and is the second structure on the campus. Often described as the one of the most beautiful , asymmetrical  structures in America, with features such as a crenellated tower and a sculptured terra cotta face. The main meeting hall was known as the art gallery as it housed many oil paintings from well-known artists.

Built in  1897 as a print shop for Elbert Hubbard, it later became a common place for workers and campus guests to socialize and stay. Elbert began referring to the property as the “inn” in 1903 and offered thirty eight sleeping rooms. Later in 1905 more rooms were added and a peristyle as added to give a feeling of unity and symmetry. In 1986 this building and thirteen others on the campus were given national historic landmark status. In 1995 it went under restoration with strict guidelines as to protect the historic landmark. Much of the original furniture and fixtures remain.

I visited the Gateway Arch many years ago, but I remember how sketchy it seemed at the time. You take a pod up to the top but at any moment they could shut it down if the winds became too high. At the top I remember being able to see the baseball stadium and being eye level with many of the big skyscrapers around. For as pretty a view as it was, all I wanted to do was go back down because you can feel the whole arch swaying just slightly. I haven’t been back since then but even though I was put at unease I would still revisit to see if I can change my view on the Arch.

This past Christmas break I traveled with my friends to Washington state. I have wanted to go here for a few years because I love the forests of the pacific northwest. Particularly I am drawn to Mt. Rainier and its surrounding national park. During my visit there I was able to go up the iconic Seattle Space Needle, and take in the view of the whole city. I am typically not one for heights but standing on the rotating glass bottom floor of the space needle gave me a strange sense of security. The 360 view of the water front and city give you a whole new perspective on the size of everything over there. If I ever get the chance to go back I wouldn’t hesitate to go back up the needle.

It’s been 13 years since I was in London, but the building I remember the most was Big Ben. The inside was elegant, lined with huge murals of past leaders. The walls seemed to be covered in gold and silver and each room contained elegant furnishings. I remember a room that seemed like a dining room because of the massive table setup with dishes and silverware. Even the chairs seemed elegant and real, as in real precious metals and fine cloth. While I was 7 at the time I remember the ceiling felt like they were 20 feet up and everything there felt tall. Even though everything in the building seemed expensive and “royal” it had this home feeling. On the outside, the massive clock tower was prominent, like a bold statement. The design of the building reminded me of a prison. Small windows and big pillars on either side. The pointy towers on the walls seem to me like barbed wire to show security. So a home feel on the inside but secure and defensive on the outside.

The Cathedral in Cologne, Germany is the biggest church I have ever been inside. When you first walk in you can see down a giant open hallway lined with pews and people talking. The inside was pretty dark, lit by torches and small light fixtures. The ceiling felt like it reached the sky, while the hallways seemed to go on for miles. I was able to go up into one of the towers and I remember when we were close to the top we came to an open round area. It seemed like a rest spot for the stairs, but it was big enough that you could have thought it was a common area. An area to trade goods in or converse with one another. Near the top were open windows that allowed birds in, and natural lighting. I didn’t go all the way up, but this room felt like you were still on the ground while being inside.