Pfendler Hall receives plaque
for historic structure
By Kelsey VanArsdall
Staff
Writer
The paint may be chipping on the tin ceiling of
the David C. Pfendler Hall of Agriculture, but the building remains
rich with history.
"This building stands for a culmination of years
of effort," said John Osmun, professor emeritus of entomology who held
an office in the building for 52 years. "This a monumental event and
I am very pleased to see the building recognized."
The award given to the building was one of three
dedications issued. Ken Burns, executive vice president and treasurer,
accepted the award for the hall.
"We are really proud to receive this plaque and
very pleased to have a building recognized in this way; it carries a
lot of history with it," said Burns.
The Wabash Valley Trust for Historic Preservation
gave the award at a program held at 5:30 Wednesday night in Pfendler
Hall. Angela Bowen, the executive director of the organization, was
delighted to help recognize the building for its distinct structure.
"We're very excited to present this plaque that
represents the wide spectrum of historic architecture in the Greater
Lafayette area," said Bowen.
Buildings must meet certain criteria in order to
be presented with a plaque. Each building must be at least 50 years
old, listed in the Indiana Historic Sites and Structure inventory, and
have a high degree of historic integrity.
"These properties become role models for other
buildings to base their architectural structure off of," said Michael
Hunt, a professor of wood science.
The hall was built in 1901 to the design of an
Indianapolis architect. It is an example of the beaux-arts classicism
style of architecture. The building primarily houses the departments
of the School of Agriculture.
The building is over 100 years old and is need
of a few touch-ups. There is a plan to begin renovations, including
building new offices, to the hall, within the next year. The restoration
committee hopes to collect $3 million through fund-raisers and donations.
University funds will pay for the remaining $11 million needed to complete
the process.
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