An Afternoon at the Outlook
/1532 Lilac Lane
University of Kansas Campus
Tuesday, June 4th
4:00 - 6:00pm
Join Lawrence Preservation Alliance for a rare opportunity to tour the Outlook, the historic home of the University of Kansas Chancellor. Led by University Architect & Director of Facilities Planning and Development Mark Rieske, we will explore the grand first floor rooms and the landscaped gardens as Mark delves deeper into the design, history and significance of this beautiful building, built in 1912 as the home of Jabez B. Watkins and his wife Elizabeth M. Watkins.
According to the historic register nomination prepared by Rosin Preservation LLC, after Mr. Watkins death in 1921, Elizabeth amassed a legacy of generosity both for the town and KU. Her first KU donation funded the building of Watkins Hall, a scholarship hall for women students. Built in the Neoclassical Revival style on a lot just north of her home, it resembled an elegant single family residence. Ten years later, she made an additional donation to construct Miller Hall as a twin to Watkins Hall. Upon her death in 1939, she bequeathed her own home, known as the Outlook, to the University to be used as the Chancellor’s residence.
The high-style Outlook is a stunning, three-story 26-room structure designed by W. J. Mitchell featuring a symmetrical façade, a semi-circular porch with ionic columns, beautiful oriel windows, and a widow’s walk offering panoramic views. Stucco clad with a hipped roof and brick chimneys visible above the roofline, the front elevation faces west towards the university. The Outlook is the oldest contributing structure in the University of Kansas East Historic District, listed in the National Register of Historic Places in January 2014. KU has performed considerable upkeep to this building’s exterior in the last few years.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience this incredible Lawrence landmark!
This free event is limited to 75 LPA members. Pre-registration is required!
To RSVP, go to givebutter.com/TheOutlook.
Not a member? Just go to the reservation site and select the membership option when reserving your ticket. This will allow you access to future LPA events!
We will see you there!
