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| Institution Name: North Central College
Original/Historic Place Name: Main Building
Location on Campus: 30 N. Brainard St.
Date(s) of Construction and Designer(s): Type of Place: Individual building
Style(s): (Glossary)
Materials:
| Foundation: limestone | | Walls: limestone | | Roof: none specified | | | Function:
| ca. 1870 | residence hall | | ca. 1870 | other (student activity rooms) | | ca. 1870 | faculty offices | | 1870-present (2007) | administration | | 1870-present (2007) | classrooms | | 1870-present (2007) | old main | | ca. 2004-present (2007) | other (conference facilities/meeting space) |
Significance: architecture
Landmark designation: Narrative: see below
References: see below |
Narrative:
Old Main was designed by Chicago's first professional architect, John Mills Van Osdel, who also designed the Executive Mansion in Springfield and the first buildings on the campuses of Northwestern University and the University of Illinois. One of the oldest buildings in DuPage County, Old Main was built in 1870 of local limestone on eight acres of land donated by Naperville businessman, Delcar Sleight. In the early years of the institution, when enrollment ranged from 250 to 400 students, Old Main housed the entire college. The construction cost of $32,000 was provided by the citizens of Naperville and Zion Evangelical Church. A south tower was added in 1891. In 1997, the College undertook a $6 million renovation of the beloved structure, which made the building fully handicap accessible, brought a wide variety of student services under one roof, and created additional administrative offices and classrooms. Old Main is once again the hub of campus life.
| References: | | I. Bibliographic sources: | North Central College & Naperville: A Shared History, 1870-1995. Naperville, IL: North Central College, 1995.
Old Main: Preserving a Tradition. Naperville, IL: North Central College, 1998.
Roberts, Clarence N. A Clear & Steady Light: A Brief History of North Central College. Naperville, IL: North Central College, 1981.
Roberts, Clarence N. North Central College: A Century of Liberal Education, 1861-1961. Naperville, IL: North Central College, 1960.
Savage, Charles. A College In Its Community. Naperville, IL: North Central College, [n.d.].
| | II. Location of other data: | | University: Special Collections, Facilities Management Office | | Other: North Central College Office of Public Information | |
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