Some things on campus remain unchanged from the earliest days of the university, such as the freshman bench (top, shown in 1903). Other things have changed dramatically, such as the entrance to campus (above, man on bridge), women’s basketball uniforms (second from bottom) and the library (second from top).

The Challenge

The greatest challenge for renovation specialists working on Altgeld Hall wasn’t the asbestos that permeated every inch of plaster in the 130,000-square foot building. It wasn’t the need to completely rebuild the structure’s heating, air conditioning and ventilation system. It wasn’t the lack of clear through corridors, or third floor spaces that were inaccessible to each other. It wasn’t even the lack of original blueprints to guide interior demolition efforts.

Altgeld Hall’s most formidable structural obstacles paled in comparison to the larger, more philosophical challenge it presented: preserving an historic landmark while creating useful, modern space. Architects sought to recreate the look and feel of a century gone by and to integrate the technology needed to move the building into its next 100 years of service. In short, the real Altgeld challenge was about creating a place where past and future come together in a meaningful way.

When Altgeld Hall first was completed in 1899, it housed an entire university. It was classroom and boardroom, library and gymnasium, administrative office building and lecture hall. Today it serves a new generation of students, faculty and staff with a mixture of grand public spaces and modern work areas—all in the style of its original designers, who believed that “knowledge deserves a castle.”

Technology plays a central role in the lives of NIU students today, but the business of the university—preparing young men and women to meet the needs of a vital region—remains unchanged from its opening in 1899.