Winter 2002

Preservations efforts hailed
By Danielle Guyer

(photo by Mike Kerper)

The second-oldest building on the Purdue campus has been recognized by the Wabash Valley Trust for Historic Preservation for outstanding historic preservation and restoration.

Renovation and restoration of the David C. Pfendler Hall of Agriculture, built in 1901 and formerly known as Agricultural Hall and Entomology Hall, is scheduled for completion by August 2003.

"Pfendler Hall will be the first ever historic restoration on Purdue's campus, and it's here in the School of Agriculture. We are very proud of that," says Myron Davis, Purdue Agriculture development director.

The fundraising goal for the restoration and renovation is $2 million for the $14 million project. Donating to the project provides a unique opportunity for agriculture alumni to commemorate the accomplishments of David Pfendler, former associate dean of agriculture, Davis says. An alumnus who was a Purdue counselor and administrator for 38 years, Pfendler retired in 1974 and died in 1998.

Pfendler Hall was built in the Beaux-arts Neoclassic architectural style. One of the most prominent features of the building is the entrance foyer with a white oak staircase. "The only other example of this kind of architecture in Tippecanoe County is the Tippecanoe County Courthouse," says Michael Hunt, Wabash Valley Trust Historic Plaque Committee chairman.