Northern Illinois University

Altgeld Hall - Environmental

Assessment
The mission of Northern Illinois University is to
empower students through educational
excellence and experiential learning as we
pursue knowledge, share our research
and artistry, and engage communities for the
benefit of the region, state, nation, and
world.” (NIU Mission, Vision and Core Values
Statements, 2021)

Alex Astiazaran, Daisy Lozano, Nancie Mohedano

NIU History and
Governor John Peter Altgeld
• NIU was chartered in 1895 when Governor John Peter Altgeld signed legislation
for a normal school in northern Illinois, originally called Northern Illinois State
Normal School (Bryan, 2014)
• Governor Altgeld “believed expansion of normal schools would upgrade the
educational level of the masses”(Northern Illinois University, 2021, para. 5)
• During Governor Altgeld’s term he built NIU and Eastern Illinois University, and
expanded the University of Illinois (Bryan, 2014)
• Originally called Northern Illinois State Normal School’s first classes were held
on September 11, 1899 (Bryan, 2014)
• Teacher’s school with 146 women and 27 men and has since grown to
enrollment of 16,234 (Bryan, 2014; Northern Illinois University, 2021)

What type of physical environment did this all begin?

Photo source: Northern Illinois University. https://125keymoments.niu.edu/legislation-creates-new-normal-school-for-

northern-illinois-1895/
 Altgeld Hall - the
“Castle on the Hill”
• Built between 1895 and 1899
• Building architect: Charles E. Brush of Chicago
• General Contractor: William McAlpine
• Total Cost: $230,000
• One of five castles built in Tudor “Gothic Style” to
unify state normal schools
• Why this style?
• Governor Altgeld stated “it was time for
buildings to become more aesthetically pleasing
in addition to being functional”(add source) and
he suggested this style as the most inexpensive
way to accomplish this (Wikipedia, 2020)
Photo source: Northern Illinois University. https://125keymoments.niu.edu/legislation-creates-new-normal-school-for-northern-
illinois-1895/

Photo source: Northern Illinois University: https://digital.lib.niu.edu/islandora/object/dekalb%3A358

Altgeld Hall – Then and Now

Altgeld housed the entire university during the first 10 years

Name was changed to Altgeld Hall in Governor Altgeld’s honor in 1963

From 1999-2004 (2004 rededication) Altgeld underwent $24 million renovation (Wikipedia, 2020)

Currently houses: Office of the President, Academic and Student Affairs, University Advancement & NIU Foundation,
University Legal Services, University Council Faculty Senate, NIU Art Museum, conference room and auditorium
Altgeld Hall - Exterior
Main Entrance and First Floor
What is missing in Altgeld?
References
• Bryan, F. (2014, May 13). John Peter Altgeld’s influence still visible. NIU Today.
https://www.niutoday.info/2014/05/13/john-peter-altgelds-influence-still-visible/
• NIU Mission Review and Revision Working Group. (2021). NIU Vision, Mission, and Values Statements. Retrieved
October 9, 2021, from https://www.niu.edu/mission/index.shtml
• Northern Illinois University. (2021). Legislation creates new normal school for northern Illinois (1895). 125 Years
1895-2020. https://125keymoments.niu.edu/legislation-creates-new-normal-school-for-northern-illinois-1895/
• Northern Illinois University. (2021). Altgeld Castle Building. Digital Library.
https://digital.lib.niu.edu/islandora/object/dekalb%3A358
• Northern Illinois University (2021). Fast Facts. NIU at a Glance. Retrieved October 9, 2021, from
https://www.niu.edu/at-a-glance/index.shtml
• Wikipedia. (2020, December 20). Altgeld’s Castles. Retrieved October 9, 2021, from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altgeld%27s_castles