Old Main (Wayne State University)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Wayne State University Buildings | |
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| (U.S. Registered Historic District) | |
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| Location: | Detroit, Michigan |
| Coordinates: | Coordinates: |
| Built/Founded: | 1895 |
| Architect: | Malcomson & Higginbotham; Field,Hinchman & Smith |
| Architectural style(s): | Classical Revival, Queen Anne |
| Added to NRHP: | June 23, 1978 |
| NRHP Reference#: | 78001524 [1] |
| Governing body: | State |
Old Main is an academic building on the campus of Wayne State University. It is located at 4841 Cass Avenue in Detroit, Michigan on Wayne's main campus.
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[edit] Location
Old Main is across from the Science Building (5045 Cass) and near the Hilberry Theater (located at 4743 Cass). Old Main is situated in a high traffic area of Detroit and is one block west from Woodward Avenue, which runs straight through downtown. The location is not very far from three of the major freeways that run through and around Detroit. Chrysler (I-75), the Lodge (M-10), and I-94 freeways are all less then a mile away.
Old Main has been a part of Wayne State University's main campus since it was built in 1934. The building has remained one of the Universities main academic buildings to this day. Old Main was originally built, used and known as the Detroit Central High School which opened in 1896. When it was first opened it was looked upon as the city of Detroit’s educational showplace.
The original date of the start of work on the building of Old Main was December 13, 1894 and cost $573,345.13 to build. Old Main began and has remained a learning institute since its opening.
[edit] History
Old Main, originally called "Main Building", was built December 13, 1894. It was the first major building of Wayne State University. Originally, every course offered was located in Old Main. It was built over a four year period out of limestone quarried from the land directly in front of it. The structure was designed by the architects Malcomson & Higginbotham and contained 103 classrooms, laboratories, offices, and residential space for 3000 students. In 1896 Old Main became the home of Detroit Central High School. The building cost $573,345.13, most of which was paid for by state appropriations and an emergency building fund campaign.
As time has passed, repairs and replacements have become standard operating policy. The clock tower was replaced in 1934 at a cost of $1,041.0. During the 1930’s and 1940’s, new walls were built inside the building as well as outside at a cost of $157,225.0. By the early 1980’s falling ceilings, peeling paint, arson, vandalism, flooding, and leaky roofs had taken their toll on Old Main. To remedy the situation Wayne State University launched a fundraising campaign in 1985, and later sought state assistance. It was also during 1985 that the last renovations of the structure were made. The electrical and mechanical systems were restored during this time.
Today, Old Main serves as the college of arts and anthropology of Wayne State University as well as accommodating many other classes of different subject matters. Old Main reflects the University's growth, development, struggles, triumphs and frustrations. It is the symbol of Wayne State University, our history and our pride.
[edit] Courses and Departments Located In Old Main
Basement:
Department of Geology
• Planetarium
• Mineralogy/Petrology Lab
• Audio Tutorial Lab
• Structural/Geomorphology Lab
• Misc. Pan Africanism Class
1st floor:
Museum of Anthropology
• Map Room
• Library
• Museum office
Department of Music
• Schaefer Recital hall
• Recording Studio
2nd Floor:
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Fashion and Design
• Textile Lab
• Clothing Design
• Fiber Studio
• Dorothea June Grossbart Historic Costume Collection
• Interiors Library
• Fiber Dye Lab
• Weaving Studio
• Interior Studio
• Interior Lighting Lab
• Maggie Allesee Department of Dance
Department of Music
• Music Technology Lab
• Piano Lab
• Prof. Poole Memorial Orchestral Library
• Large Ensemble Rehearsal Room
• Jazz Rehearsal Room
3rd Floor:
Department of Theatre
• Computer Labs
• Two Theatre Movement Studios
• Design Studios
Department of Dance
• Dance Studios
4th Floor:
Music Department Practice Rooms
Department of Photography
• Photography Computer Lab
• Photography Studios
• Photography Dark Room
• Photography Lab
[edit] References
http://www.reuther.wayne.edu/exhibits/oldmain.html Reuther Library, "Partners in Eductation, Old Main and Wayne"
- ^ National Register Information System. National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service (2008-04-15).
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