Inside Iowa State: Iowa State University

INSIDE IOWA STATE
March 1, 2002

Geoffroy seeks ideas for Morrill Hall

Morrill Hall has received no regular maintenance since it was vacated in 1998, pending a decision on the building's future. Pictured is the stairwell in the southeast turret, where paint and plaster are falling away from the walls. President Gregory Geoffroy is asking the campus community for ideas on Morrill Hall's future; send yours by March 15. Photo by Bob Elbert.

by Anne Krapfl
President Gregory Geoffroy is asking for suggestions for the future of Morrill Hall. Earlier this week, he posted a summary of the building's history, including results of a January inspection by renovation consultants, on the president's Web site ( http://www.iastate.edu/~president/morrill/about.html). Geoffroy is asking for comments (e-mailed to morrill-hall@iastate.edu) by Friday, March 15.

Among the points Geoffroy makes in his summary:

The 112-year-old building is one of the oldest on campus. Some people consider it one of Iowa State's strongest visual images.
It honors the efforts of Vermont Sen. Justin Morrill, who worked for years to pass the "Morrill Act," which established the nation's system of land-grant universities. While land-grant schools aren't required to have a Morrill Hall, many do.
Structurally, the building has serious problems. The original structural frame (cast iron steel) is not sound; many pieces would have to be replaced or reinforced. Sandblasting on the exterior wall 35 years ago was intended to recondition and seal old bricks, but the effort has not succeeded. Bricks continue to deteriorate, which allows moisture into the building. The roof, windows and all utility systems need to be replaced.
Consultants who looked at the building in January concluded it still is structurally sound and salvageable, but noted several serious problems (see above). The consultants' report may be reviewed in the Office of the Vice President for Business and Finance, 1350 Beardshear.
Reconstructing Morrill Hall would cost an estimated $345 per square foot, compared to new construction that costs about $200 per square foot.
The estimate for the necessary reconstruction work is $8 million to $9 million. It isn't likely state funding will be appropriated for this.
Failure to identify a use for Morrill Hall that will spur private gifts totaling this amount would leave the university no choice but to tear down the building.

Geoffroy has asked people to respond to this set of questions:

If it were to be renovated, what are potential uses for Morrill Hall -- uses that fit current university needs and that donors would support financially?
Given parking limitations at its central campus location, should Morrill Hall be reconstructed at another campus location?
If the building is moved or torn down, how should the original site be commemorated?