Old Main - Jeremy Allen Hibbs

The Renovation of Old Main - Preserving the History of Arizona

A short history of Old Main

Old Main was the first erected building of the Territorial University of Arizona College of Mines and is located on the original site of an ancient Indian village. San Xavier Mission, built about 100 years earlier, is the only building in Arizona older than Old Main. Originally it was used for all functions of the University, from classrooms to sleeping rooms. Throughout the years various departments have called it home – Business and Public Administration, the Graduate College, Art, French, Mathematics, History, and Political Science, and others.

The building is a territorial style with some European influences (French mansard roof). The original architect was from Louisiana so it also has the appearance of a southern plantation home. Two types of stone were used based on the common practices of the day. Mexican stone was placed around the base, and volcanic rock from “A” mountain was used for decorative landscaping.

Old Main in 1889

In 1938, Old Main was condemned because the university could not afford to keep it updated. The U.S. Navy came in and offered to save it from demolition. In return, during World War II, the Navy needed space and converted the building into a training school. After the war, the university then reclaimed Old Main as a functional building.

In 1972, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. From 2006 to 2008, just over $4 million was spent to upgrade the first floor.

Old Main is currently undergoing major reconstruction that is scheduled to be completed in 2014. Great attention is being paid to maintaining the look and character of the building as it was originally designed.

Text and pictures provided by Jeremy Allen Hibbs