Designed between 1899 and 1901 by architectural consultant Thomas Nolan of Columbia, Missouri, this building stood on the University of Missouri campus for more than a century. Located in a prominent area of campus, it served as a long-standing landmark within the university’s landscape. Named after William L. Parker, a Columbia businessman, Civil war veteran and donor. The auditorium inside Parker Hall was named after Adolphus Busch, founder of the Anheuser-Busch breweries and benefactor, the building reflected their contributions to the university’s development. After extensive use over its history, the structure was demolished in 2022.
- It was the first “real” hospital in the area, significantly improving care for the sick and injured. Treatment costs were seven dollars per week for nursing services, board, and medicines, while a private room cost fifteen dollars and required payment in advance.
- A time capsule buried in 1899 when the building was first constructed as Parker Memorial Hospital was discovered during its demolition in 2022 by construction manager Derek Laubert. On October 11, 2022, it was officially unsealed by Walters, MU President Mun Choi, and Richard J. Barohn.
- The capsule contained materials spanning 1899 to 1973, including a University of Missouri catalogue, a biennial report of the Board of Curators, a copy of the Columbia Missouri Herald, photographs of university buildings, 1899 coins, and a rare issue of the Columbia Daily Hornet. An original photograph of William L. Parker was also recovered.
- In 2000, the building was added to the Historic Preservation Commission’s Notable Properties list.
