CSU, Chico Dedicates Albert E. Warrens Reception Center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 17, 2001
Kathleen McPartland
530-898-4260
Sue Anderson, Alumni and Parent Relations
503-898-6472
CSU, Chico Dedicates Albert E. Warrens Reception Center
The Albert E. Warrens Reception Center on the California State University, Chico campus will be dedicated on Monday, April 23, 3 p.m., at 341 Mansion Avenue.
The house, built in the architectural style called Classical Revival, has been known in recent years as both the President’s Mansion and the Julia Morgan House. It has recently been renovated and will provide a much needed reception center for the campus.
President Manuel A. Esteban will preside at the dedication that is being held during the University’s Founders Week. Marilyn Warrens and colleagues, friends and family of Albert Edward (Ed) Warrens will speak. Guitarist and family friend Charlie Robinson will provide music.
The Warrens Reception Center is one of Chico’s outstanding twentieth century architectural landmarks. It was designed by Julia Morgan, a notable architect of her time, and built for the college physician, D.H. Moulton in 1923. Its internal design is characterized by Morgan’s love of “space on spaceÑrooms opening into rooms, doors onto vistas.” The house was purchased by the state in 1945 and presidents of the college lived there until 1993.
The house has been restored to its original condition, with additions made for accommodating large groups. A sun porch, which had been added years after it was built, was removed. A new heating and air-cooling system was installed, and a lift and back stair case exit were added for accessibility. To make the house usable as a reception center, two new restroom facilities were built outside, the upstairs restroom was made accessible and the kitchen was converted from a personal, domestic kitchen into a caterer’s kitchen.
Ed and Marilyn Warrens have been generous benefactors to CSU, Chico. Marilyn is on the University Advisory Board. She gave money specifically for the renovation of the house in honor of her late husband.
Dr. Warrens was a pathologist in Chico from 1961 until his retirement in 1991. He was supportive of many university, civic, and medical projects. He was a major contributor to the Laxson Auditorium refurbishing project, and he and Marilyn started the Harlen Adams Scholarship on the occasion of Adam’s retirement.
The public is invited to the dedication and reception.
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