The Historic Preservation Commission would like to focus on the oldest and first building on the campus of Bowling Green State University for the Historic Building of the Month.
University Hall at BGSU is a neoclassical style brick and stone building, constructed in 1915. It was the first building constructed on campus, costing $150,000 to construct (along with Williams Hall). The building was designed by Howard & Merriam Architects and constructed by Steinle Construction Company.
The building originally housed the president’s office, all administrative functions, classrooms, a theater, and the first basketball court.
A traffic circle was placed in front of the building, providing vehicular access to campus. The circle, originally wood and dirt, was converted to a paved traffic circle in the 1920s and was removed completely in the 1950s.
The building has undergone eight substantial interior renovations but still features the grand marble staircase in the main entry which features original plaster detailing.
The building was recently renovated in 2017, and incorporated sustainability features, including low-emitting materials, natural light, LED lights, reduced water consumption, and renewable energy usage – receiving LEED Gold Certification.
The building has been the backdrop of many political events including when JFK gave a speech inside the hall in 1959 and when Joe Biden held a rally outside in 2008.
The Board of Trustees intended for the building to be the focal point of campus when they appropriated the funds in 1911, and it recently regained status as a focal point with the completion of the new Alumni Gateway project last month. It is truly a beautiful building inside and out that BGSU has taken great care and investment to maintain as a key building on campus.
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