Main Hall

What is now known as Main Hall was originally St. Norbert College in its entirety. Abbot Pennings founded the college in 1898 and construction of Main Hall started in 1901. It is the second oldest building on campus with only Old St. Joe’s preceding it. Initially, Main Hall contained the cafeteria, library, classes, dormitories, and an auditorium. Its first major renovation occurred was finished in 1956 that concentrated on reviving the first floor. Another renovation occurred in the late 1980’s that focused on updating essential function of the building including ventilation, heating, plumbing and electrical work but also included preserving historical aesthetics such as the woodwork. Now Main Hall houses the President’s office as well as the cabinet member's offices, Health and Wellness services, the Counseling and Testing offices as well as other administrative offices. Main hall has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1989 because of its age, architecture, and its importance to the history of higher education.