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 Next year, a Purdue Agriculture landmark will begin an evolution -- a process that will help prepare us for the future as well as preserve our past. The second-oldest existing building on campus -- Agricultural Hall, built in 1901 -- will start a new lease on life during its centennial year. Known for the last half-century as Entomology Hall, the facility had been used continuously until 1999 when it was closed due to safety and maintenance concerns.
The future of the building was uncertain. While everyone recognized its significance to Purdue, the expense of renovating the building far outweighed the cost of replacement. The university community worked together to find a solution that not only preserves this historic structure but at the same time increases research space, something we're short of right now. From the front, the architecture of the grand old hall will be kept intact; its State Street vista will look much the same as it did in the 20th century. From the rear, it will present a 25,000-square-foot, two-story addition that houses 21st century technology-electrobiology, biotechnology and modern biology lab space.
When the building reopens, probably around 2003, it will return to its roots and again be known as Agricultural Hall, the name recently restored by the board of trustees. And inside, intermixed with the old architechtural features, like th twin oak staircases, will be new high-tech research labs, linking the past, present and the future of Purdue Agriculture.
Victor L. Lechtenberg
Dean of Agriculture
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By Vic Lectenberg