Hall of Languages
The Hall of Languages was the first building on the Syracuse University campus. The cornerstone of this historic structure was laid on August 31, 1871, and the $136,000 building was dedicated on May 8, 1873. It was designed by Horatio Nelson White in the Second Empire style and is constructed of Onondaga Limestone, with wood framing and interior cast-iron columns. The east and west towers in the original structure were augmented with a central tower in 1886. This building originally had a slate mansard roof with 3.5 stories in the center and 2.5 stories in each wing. In 1979, the structure underwent a $4 million interior renovation, with minimal changes to the exterior facades. The first floor was lowered to grade to accommodate an elevator, and a new central five-story atrium and stairwell were added. The original four stories of wood were replaced with five stories of concrete, and the original timber columns were replaced with steel, except for retaining the timber beams supporting the mansard roof. This facility has always housed the College of Liberal Arts, but other schools and departments have also occupied the building, including the Registrar and the Chancellor. Currently this facility also contains offices and classrooms for Admissions, as well as the Departments of Religion, English, and Philosophy. It is reported to comprise 74,106 gross square feet.
Address: 101 Crouse Drive
Syracuse, NY 13244
Building Number: MC17