Uncovering Altgeld’s Historic Past with UIUC Alumni

As the design phase of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Altgeld Hall Renovation came to a close, Technical Principal Robin Whitehurst and Associate Principal Karla Smalley revealed little known insights into the building’s historic and storied past for the College of Letters and Science’s online happy hour, LAS on Tap.  

By pairing Altgeld Hall’s storied past with original drawings, renderings, and photographs, Robin and Karla illustrated, to the record-breaking virtual crowd of 500 alumni, why renovations were required. By walking the audience through Bailey Edward’s historic research, the presentation displayed the original design’s intent and how it has been lost due to decisions that, at the time, seemed innovative but have not passed the test of time.  

Our historic research shows an Altgeld Hall that was once full of light. A stained-glass dome illuminated gold accents and vivid, hand-painted murals depicting classical symbols of education and discovery.  But today, that has faded away, leaving behind a dark, muted environment. By studying the architects who originally designed the building as well as their influences, we are working with CannonDesign to not only bring the building back to its original intent, but also ensure this U of I landmark can be a functional campus gem for years to come.  

Teasing the crowd for what’s to come, Robin and Karla closed the presentation with an interior rendering of the renovated Altgeld Hall.  

You can watch the presentation in full here. The Bailey Edward Historic Preservation team looks forward to sharing more of what’s in store for Altgeld Hall at future LAS On Tap sessions later this fall. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter at the very bottom of this page to be the first to know!