Vignette 98: Foundation stone

The foundation stone for the University’s first building, now the Mitchell Building, was laid on 30 July 1879. The first classes were held in the building two years later, despite it being incomplete.

Securing a designer for the building was a complicated process. In February 1877, the University Council announced South Australian architect James McGeorge as the winner of a competition to undertake the role. When his submission was deemed contentious, they approached the second prize winner, Michael Egan of Melbourne. Egan completed a design and working drawings, but the council decided it was too costly. 

William McMinn of Woods & McMinn Architects, who acted as advisory architects to the University, was asked to review and amend the design. Despite Egan’s objections, McMinn’s amendments were accepted. He was given credit for the final design, even though it was similar to Egan's. 

As an example of Gothic Revival, the Mitchell Building is one of Adelaide’s most historically significant buildings. For the University, it signifies independence and growth. It continues to play an important role—it now houses the administration and the governing bodies of the University.

The University of Adelaide: 150 Years of Making History.  Providing a place. p.134