The park-like setting of the Normal School provided a soothing atmosphere for quiet reflection while satisfying contemporary views of health and cleanliness.

“[D]ollars may grow in cities but men grow nearer to nature.... here is the place to found schools. . . forests, bright suns, blue skies and eternal stars all suggest purity and tend to elevate the soul of men. . . .” 

Governor Altgeld at laying of corner stone,  
May 28, 1896

As the campus grew, the original plan had to be modified, but landscaping remains a vital part of the school’s overall design.

“The [campus’s] natural beauty has already been greatly enhanced by driveways of crushed stone, concrete walks, flower beds, in beautiful designs, etc. As time goes on the grounds will be steadily improved and beautified by the plans drawn up by Mr. DuBois of Peoria, till it will be a most attractive and beautiful place.”

Daily Courier, August 29, 1899

Architects and builders completed the Normal School Building, later officially named the Livingston C. Lord building, in the summer of 1899. Known today as Old Main, it serves as the administrative center and icon of the school.  The next generation of campus buildings continued the Gothic theme introduced by Old Main’s architects. Pemberton Hall [1906] and Blair Hall [1911] assumed a more residential appearance with their Tudor Gothic elements, while Booth Library [1948], the last Gothic structure on campus, displays church-like elements. Today the campus consists of over forty buildings that serve the present needs of the educational community.