Old Main: A Future for the Past
Renew, Reuse, Recycle
| Eastern Illinois University’s campus architecture tells us about past generations’ tastes, values, and aspirations. Not least of all, it tells us that they cared enough to invest in the future. The challenge of preserving the past while planning for the future will remain as long as the university continues to be a vibrant community. Preservationists and campus planners must work together to meet that challenge. Historic landscapes and buildings can be preserved and adapted to modern needs. | 
Construction of Pemberton Hall addition.
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Greenhouse (right) and original power plant.
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Over the years the university has adapted old buildings to new uses. For example, Old Main originally housed classrooms, the library, an auditorium, laboratories, a museum, and administrative offices. Imagine attending class in Old Main’s tower. Today, many of those departments occupy their own buildings and Old Main functions primarily as an administrative center, and only secondarily as a setting for instruction. |
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Lincoln Field "Trailerville." 
Construction of temporary barracks buildings, looking Building on the Past
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Currently, Booth Library is undergoing a two-year renovation that will increase accessibility to the library’s collection and meet new technological needs. The renovation of Booth Library is an example of the desire to respect the past and to respond to contemporary needs. |
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The continued growth of Eastern Illinois University is a testament to the success of its past. The Gothic architecture of the late nineteenth century has given way to new ideals in education, design, and construction. As the school has expanded its mission and its campus, it has seen fit to plan for the future with periodic updates to its master plan. |
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Buzzard Hall before rennovation (above, 1959) and after (below, 1998). 
Booth Library before addition. Old Main - Construction - Charleston - The Campus - A Future -
That Noble Project - A Building for the Ages - 1999-2000 Exhibit Gallery & Acknowledgments
