Both a Public and Private Space

The current exterior of Umrath Hall, complete with the current building nameplate.

In the 1950s, construction began on a new residential area for WashU called the South 40, meaning no longer would most students be living on the main campus. In order to continue Lee’s legacy, his name was transferred over to one of the new dormitories on the South 40 leaving the building needing a new name. The name chosen was Karl D. Umrath Hall, the name of a prominent local businessman. 

Umrath Lounge set up in preparation for an event.

As students and faculty were no longer living in Umrath Hall, the building started to serve other purposes. Today, the building houses offices for faculty from departments such as Classics as well as the office for the Campus Y. The room that housed Tower/Lee Hall’s dining room has now been turned into Umrath Lounge, a space that hosts a variety of events spanning from student and faculty appreciation dinners, to blood drives and charity events. No longer is the hall restricted just to just those living there, but it has become a space that blends both private University needs and public use.