Dyche Hall qualifies in finals

Dyche Hall was chosen as one of the 24 finalists in the Kansas Sampler's Foundation Eight Wonders of Architecture.

The Romanesque-style building features limestone with real and mythical creatures as well as the oldest representation of the Jayhawk.

The Rock Chalk Chant, originally used for the science club, is written in limestone across the building. Tristan Smith, Natural History Museum visitor services coordinator, said the building complimented Fraser Hall well and that its tower could be seen on the skyline from anywhere in Lawrence.

"The iconography that is on the building is very noticeable once you get closer and closer to the building as well and I think that sets it apart from any of the other structures that are on the list," Smith said.

Smith said he believed Dyche Hall had a good chance of winning the contest, which ends in June. One can vote for the Eight Wonders of Architecture on the Kansas Sampler Foundation's Web site.