Old Main (University of South Dakota)
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Old Main | |
 Old Main viewed from the front | |
  Location of Old Main in South Dakota | |
| Location | Clark Street, Vermillion, South Dakota |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 42°47′02″N 96°55′26″W / 42.78389°N 96.92389°W |
| Built | 1883 |
| Architect | Wallace L. Dow |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001738 |
| Added to NRHP | March 24, 1973 |
Old Main, originally known as University Hall and Main Hall, is a historic university building at the University of South Dakota. Originally built in 1883, it is the oldest building on campus, despite having been rebuilt after an 1893 fire. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973.
The original University Hall was constructed by Sioux Falls architect Wallace L. Dow in a mixed architectural style, but with undoubtable Scandinavian influence.[1] The new 1893 building has a marked Colonial Revival influence.[2] It consists of a central three-story building, the main door facing south, with two-story wings on its east and west sides. It was constructed from pink quartzite taken from a quarry near Sioux Falls and sandstone trim along the windows, doors, and corners of the building. Friezes, box cornices, and brackets adorn the exterior of the building, mainly made out of stamped sheet metal. The building has four cupolas: two on the central building and one on each wing. An apse on the northern end of the central building houses Farber Hall, a small theatre that doubles as a lecture hall. The most noticeable feature of the building is the large spire atop the central building.[1]
Besides still hosting classes, Old Main is home to Farber Hall, named for Dr. William O. Farber, where lectures and other events are held. The University Honors Program offices and the Oscar Howe Gallery are located on the ground floor.[3]
