President's House

President's House. . The new President's House was built in 1956 on the corner of what is now Eagle Drive and North Texas Boulevard, replacing the 1909 President's House on Hickory Street and Avenue B. When President J.C. Matthews' family moved into the two-story home with the green roof and red brick porch, it overlooked a circular drive and a lawn dotted with trees. Across the road was the gravel parking lot of the young Fouts Field, and at the back of the house were large oak trees and a formal raised rose garden with brick steps and pathways. Inside the home, a large foyer featured a curving staircase with a cloak room underneath. The downstairs living spaces, decorated by John Astin Perkins, included a living room with a fireplace and baby grand piano, and a formal dining room reserved for special occasions. President Matthews worked in the den off the foyer, watching the nightly news and greeting friends, administrators, faculty and staff - "a seemingly endless parade of visitors," his family remembers. In the days before university caterers, desserts were baked in the kitchen for teas and receptions at the house. The home economics department contributed holiday cookies and candy each year, and student groups sang at Homecoming and other events. An estimated 3,000 people were served at the house annually. When later presidents moved off campus, the building was used as an alumni and development center. It was torn down in 1999 and Gateway Center was built in its place. The center houses offices and meeting space and is home to the UNT Alumni Center.