The Neil-17th Building was a typical Joseph N. Bradford building that originally housed the School of Veterinary Medicine. It had a nifty classical design and operating theater. The building’s site sits empty today, and it is bordered by Baker Systems to the north, Annie and John Glenn Avenue and Independence Hall to the south, Neil Avenue and Cockins Hall to the east, and Millikin Road and McCracken Power Plant to the west.
History
Newly constructed Veterinary Building. (Knowlton Archives)
The Neil-17th Building was designed as the “Veterinary Building” by university architect Joseph N. Bradford in 1902. Its construction began that September, and it was first occupied in the beginning of September 1903. With a wood frame and brick exterior, the building was in the Neoclassical style. The Neil-17th Building was first occupied by Veterinary Medicine and Bacteriology.
Operating theater, likely shortly before demolition. (Knowlton Archives)
In 1910, the Neil-17th Building was supplemented by the newly completed Veterinary Clinic where Baker Systems stands today. These two served as the home for Veterinary Medicine until the construction of Sisson Hall in 1957, Goss Lab in 1962, and a temporary vet clinic in 1965 (later vacated for the new Veterinary Clinic in 1973), all of which are on west campus. The Veterinary Clinic was also demolished in 1965 for the construction of Baker Systems. However, the Neil-17th Building continued to stand, and it was renamed in 1967 to reflect its tenants moving out.
More modern image of the building. (Knowlton Archives)
I couldn’t find any history on what kind of classes the Neil-17th Building held from 1967 onward. It was demolished in late 1997, the reasons also being unknown to me, but I’m sure it’s the usual combination of deferred maintenance, age, and lack of ADA compliance. The site remains empty today.
I have to use this Google Maps screenshot of the site since there’s construction fencing all around it right now.
Sources:
https://kb.osu.edu/handle/1811/24059
https://knowltondl.osu.edu/Browse/objects/facet/collection_facet/id/18
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