MSU's building stories: Iconic buildings north of the Red Cedar

The current building that is the MSU Main Library officially opened in 1955. But, of course, there’s much more to its story — and the story of libraries at MSU. MSU Libraries began when the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan began — in 1855, albeit with a small 200-volume collection located on the third floor of College Hall. In 1881, when the Library-Museum (now Linton Hall) was built, the library moved there. As the collections and materials grew, there was a need for another library. So, in 1925, the new library opened, which is the present-day MSU Museum. In the years that followed and as the university’s enrollment increased, so did its collections. In 1950, planning for a new library was in the works. In 1955, when it was time to move materials from its current location into the new building that would become the Main Library, students formed a line that crossed Circle Drive to help move all the books. Today, MSU Libraries is a leader in digital innovation, outreach and research and is home to the Murray & Hong Special Collection, the Vincent Voice Library, the Turfgrass Information Center and much, much more. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

The Hannah Administration Building was completed in 1968. At that time, President John A. Hannah moved his office and boardroom from its location in Linton Hall to the new building that sits along the banks of the Red Cedar. The building is currently home to several administrative units at the university, including the Office of the President, Office of the Provost, Office of Research and Innovation, Admissions, Office of the Registrar, Office of Undergraduate Education and many more. Additionally, the Board of Trustees regularly holds its monthly meetings in the fourth-floor boardroom. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

 

Called Agriculture Hall, it is home to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Built in 1909, it exemplified the strong commitment to MSU’s agricultural history. Did you know? At the time it was built, it was the largest building on campus. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

Officially opened in 1952, the Alumni Memorial Chapel is an interdenominational chapel where anyone of any faith can host a ceremony or come in to simply relax and worship in peace. When it was dedicated, it was only the second building of its kind built on a Big Ten campus. Created to honor MSU students and alumni who died while serving our country, there are 487 names etched into the entryway of those who served in wars and perished. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

Chittenden Hall was built in 1901 as the dairy plant, but for the most part, it housed the Department of Forestry. In 2014, it officially became home to the Graduate School, which moved across the street from Linton Hall. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

Cowles House has been the home to most university presidents since 1941, when John A. Hannah assumed the role. Built in 1857, using bricks made from nearby clay, Cowles House had other names including “farm cottage” and “Faculty Row No. 7.” It wasn’t until its 1949-50 renovation that it was named the Alice B. Cowles House after the mother of the benefactor of the project. More major renovations and improvements occurred in 2019. Cowles House continues to be a place to host and celebrate various campus events. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

Built in 1888, what we now know as Eustace-Cole Hall (where the Honors College is located) was originally called the Horticultural Laboratory, designed by famed horticulturist Liberty Hyde Bailey. In 1968, the Honors College offices moved from the Main Library to what was then called Eustace Hall. In 1999, when the building underwent a complete renovation — thanks to a major private donation from Jeffrey and Kathryn Cole — it was renamed Eustace-Cole Hall. Did you know? The Honors College is one of the oldest honors programs at a large public university. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

IM Circle currently houses the Department of Kinesiology. Dedicated in 1918, it actually held commencement ceremonies in 1923. And here’s a cool piece of history: At the north entrance of the building, you can see “MAC” engraved at the top of the doorway. Did you know? IM Circle has two gyms, two pools and an indoor dance studio. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

Currently home to the College of Arts and Letters, Linton Hall has housed several campus units — and a president — since it was built in 1881. In the beginning, it was the Library-Museum and then, during WWII and until 1968, it held President John A. Hannah’s office and boardroom. No matter which entrance you use, you’re welcomed with something uniquely Spartan: the spire atop Linton to the west or the beautiful wooden crest that faces east. Did you know? Linton Hall is the oldest academic building on campus. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

The current building that is the MSU Main Library officially opened in 1955. But, of course, there’s much more to its story — and the story of libraries at MSU. MSU Libraries began when the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan began — in 1855, albeit with a small 200-volume collection located on the third floor of College Hall. In 1881, when the Library-Museum (now Linton Hall) was built, the library moved there. As the collections and materials grew, there was a need for another library. So, in 1925, the new library opened, which is the present-day MSU Museum. In the years that followed and as the university’s enrollment increased, so did its collections. In 1950, planning for a new library was in the works. In 1955, when it was time to move materials from its current location into the new building that would become the Main Library, students formed a line that crossed Circle Drive to help move all the books. Today, MSU Libraries is a leader in digital innovation, outreach and research and is home to the Murray & Hong Special Collection, the Vincent Voice Library, the Turfgrass Information Center and much, much more. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.