TUC was known originally as the Student Union or simply as the “Union”. As today, the Student Union was a place for students to congregate, eat lunch and buy books. At the time of its construction, it was one of the two largest buildings on campus and it housed the majority of student organizations.
TUC was built in 1937, by architects Harry Hake and Harry Hake Jr., in response to a growing student population. The building still maintains the original large columns at the entrance and the clock tower.
The clock and the Brown Memorial Chimes within the tower were donated in recognition of UC alumnus Sanford Brown. Brown contributed to the campaign to secure funds for building TUC and with his tireless effort, funds from the Public Works Administration and the city of Cincinnati, ensured that the student Union could be built.