University Hall (Northwestern University)

University Hall
General information
Town or city	Evanston
Country	United States
Construction started	1868
Completed	1869
Owner	Northwestern University
Design and construction
Architect(s)	Gurdon P. Randall

University Hall is the oldest original building on the

, which stood on campus until the 1970s. The building has served a wide range of different roles since its construction, and currently houses the university's English department.

History

University Hall was designed in

campus by lake boat and rail.

The cornerstone of the building was laid in 1868, and the structure was completed in 1869, at a total cost of $125,000. University Hall officially opened on September 8, 1869 and coincided with the inauguration of University President

Upon its completion, University Hall took over most university functions from Old College. University Hall originally contained classrooms housing all Northwestern University classes, the main campus library, a chemical lab, a chapel, two society rooms and a fourth-floor natural history museum. University Hall contained Northwestern's primary library until the construction of Lunt Library (now known as Lunt Hall) in the 1890s. Lunt Library was the first dedicated library building built on the campus of Northwestern University. Though University Hall was succeeded by Fayerweather Hall as the university's main building in 1887, throughout its history, University Hall served a variety of functions. Over the years University Hall has been the home of the central administration, the engineering school, a cafeteria, and faculty offices.[4] University Hall underwent a $5.2 million renovation and was rededicated in 1993.^[3] The building is currently home to Northwestern's English department.

References

External links

• Gallery of Images and Documents related to University Hall, from the Northwestern Archives

42°03′07″N 87°40′34″W / 42.0519°N 87.6760°W / 42.0519; -87.6760