Stone Hall (Ithaca, New York)

The State University of New York determined that the three buildings were in poor and deteriorating condition. A 1973 study conducted by State University of New York suggested that renovation would cost over $14 million.^[4] Instead, they planned to first raze Stone Hall to make room for a new administrative building to be called Academic I. After Academic I's completion, the state planned to raze Roberts and East Roberts to build a new plant sciences building.^[5]

Local preservationist group Historic Ithaca, in an attempt to save the building, had the structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984,^[1] as well as designated a city historic landmark. Starting in 1982, the city and Historic Ithaca launched a series of lawsuits and appeals in an attempt to block demolition.^[6] The city argued in court that the buildings could not be altered without approval from the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission.^[4]

On February 10, 1986, about "one tenth" of Stone Hall was demolished, ahead of the late February date which was expected.^[7] A state Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order, pointing out that a demolition permit had not been granted by the city.^[8][6] In July 1986, a State Supreme court judge ruled that state college campus buildings are not protected by local preservation orders.^[6] After standing partially-demolished for much of the year, the remainder of the building was removed in December 1986.^[6] Construction of "Academic I" (now known as Kennedy Hall) began in May 1987.^[9]

Citing the legal precedent of Stone Hall, the State University officials proceeded with the demolition of Roberts Hall and East Roberts Hall in July 1990.^[10][11]

• Roberts Hall
• East Roberts Hall