Altgeld Hall (SIUC)
Altgeld Hall on the campus of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, originally known as "Southern Illinois State Normal University", is the oldest currently occupied structure on the campus.
| Altgeld Hall | |
|---|---|
 Altgeld Hall in 2006 | |
| Former names | Old Science |
| General information | |
| Type | Educational |
| Location | Southern Illinois University Carbondale |
| Address | 1000 South Normal Avenue Carbondale, Illinois 62901 United States |
| Coordinates | 37.7165°N 89.2179°W |
| Current tenants | SIUC School of Music |
| Construction started | 1896 |
| Owner | Southern Illinois University Carbondale |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | C. W. Rapp |
| Main contractor | M. T. Lewman & Company |
History and architecture
Construction was authorized by Governor John Peter Altgeld in 1895 as part of a program of expansion of state funding for education. The architect was C. W. Rapp of Chicago, a Carbondale native, and the contractors were M. T. Lewman & Company of Louisville, Kentucky. The cornerstone was laid July 21, 1896 by Owen Scott, former United States Representative. The building was dedicated December 22, 1896 by then president of the school, Harvey W. Everest.[1]
As originally designed, the building housed the university library and laboratories for the departments of physics, chemistry and biological science, as well as a gymnasium. Following a major remodeling project in 1958, Altgeld Hall became the home to the SIUC School of Music. From 2002 to 2004 the building underwent a major restoration and renovation project, which included a large addition to the west side. The architects of the project were White & Borgognoni of Carbondale.[2]
Altgeld Hall is one of a group of five buildings known as Altgeld's castles. Altgeld authorized these buildings as part of increased state investment in education, but also wielded influence over their design. Four of the five, including the SIUC building, were designed in what Altgeld described as the "Tudor-Gothic style," his preferred style for public buildings built during his term of office. Through his influence these buildings were part of the larger Collegiate Gothic movement.[3]
Historic photos
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Altgeld Hall (1901)
East Side_(14782329134).jpg.webp)
Altgeld Hall (1901)
Interior - Gymnasium_(14781338992).jpg.webp)
Altgeld Hall (1907)
Northeastern Side
References
- Daniel B. Parkinson, A Historical Bulletin of the Southern Illinois State Normal University (Carbondale, 1914)
- "History and Future of Altgeld Hall". Southern Illinois University Carbondale School of Music. Archived from the original on August 8, 2007. Retrieved 2022-08-11.
- Barnhart, Terry (1999-09-02). "That "Noble Project:" The Founding of Eastern Illinois University and the Origins of Old Main, 1895-1899". Localités/Localities. Archived from the original on 2008-10-10. Retrieved 2022-08-11.