Old Main West Entry

http://concordiamemoryproject.concordiacollegearchives.org/concordiamemoryproject/files/original/3642794e9c521a18abd78151d5de660f.jpg

West entry of Old Main, May 1982.

In the last quarter of the 20th century in the United States, it became increasingly important to colleges for economic and historical reasons to preserve their buildings. Concordia College was one of the many colleges to follow this national trend on its own campus. During the 1970s and 1980s, Concordia put a great amount of resources into preserving its historically significant buildings.[1] This was particularly evident with the restoration of Old Main.

Toward the end of the 20th century, Old Main experienced many renovations that focused on preserving the building and restoring it to its original look. For example, in 1974, the windows were replaced to keep the academic building functioning properly. The exterior was also renovated, as seen in the two images of the west entrance. In 1994, the brick entrance that had been a familiar feature since 1964 was returned to its original façade from when it was built in 1906.[2] Also, in 2006, many trees around Old Main were cut down to emphasize its aesthetic qualities.[3] 

http://concordiamemoryproject.concordiacollegearchives.org/concordiamemoryproject/files/original/a524ee49ebc8be7cc038f2deaa50987b.JPG

The 2013 view of the same entryway of Old Main.

Particularly during the 1980s, many college campuses put a great importance on the preservation of some of their oldest buildings.[4] One reason for this is that in the long run, it could be more economically beneficial for the college. After visiting a college, most know if they want to apply. Therefore, it is beneficial for a college to have attractive buildings that help convince people to attend the school.[5] Also at this time, many colleges realized the historic value in preserving their architecture. Previously, many schools expanded to accommodate greater enrollment and often sacrificed historic buildings in the process. However, around the 1980s, many saw value in preserving America’s history by saving these buildings.[6] Concordia followed suit, and Old Main was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.[7] It was this increased importance of historic preservation that allowed many buildings to remain on college campuses in a good condition.

Concordia College, like many other colleges at the end of the 20th century, made renovations on one of its oldest buildings, Old Main. This preservation of the building has kept its rich history alive and made it a major focal point on campus.


[1] Carroll Engelhardt, On Firm Foundation Grounded (Moorhead, MN: Concordia College, 1991), 313.

[2] Sarah Wassberg, “Grand Old Main: 100 Years On Firm Foundation,” Concordian, September 22, 2006, 6.

[3] Sarah Day, “Much in Store with Campus’ New Look,” Concordian, September 15, 2006, 1.

[4] Stephanie Russell, “When Campus and Community Collide,” Historic Preservation 35, no. 5 (1983): 39, EBSCO: America: History & Life (accession no. 34173850).

[5] Sarah Williams, “The Architecture of the Academy,” Change 17, no. 2 (March/April 1985): 16, http://www.jstor.org/stable/40164487.

[6] Russell, “When Campus and Community Collide,” 38.

[7] Wassberg, “Grand Old Main,” 6.

 

Essay by Taylor Houseman