Atop Phoenix Nursery: IWU Buildings & Grounds

Despite its founding in 1850, Illinois Wesleyan did not have property for a campus until four years later, instead meeting in a local church building. In 1854, the institution acquired 10 acres east of Main Street from Franklin K. Phoenix, owner of Phoenix Nursery. After financial issues and administration changes that delayed its completion, the campus's first building, Old North, welcomed students in 1857. Since then, the university has experienced two major construction booms with other buildings constructed periodically throughout its 175 years.

The first boom occurred in 1920, after a failed attempt to move IWU to Springfield, Illinois, with the development of the Pillsbury Plan. Developed by local architect Arthur A. Pillsbury, the plan envisioned an expansion of campus ground complete with dormitories, science halls, gymnasium, chapel, and library. The entirety of the plan was never fully realized because of the financial uncertainty that plagued the nation during the Great Depression. However, three new buildings outlined in the plan came to pass: Memorial Gymnasium (now Hansen Student Center), Buck Memorial Library, and Presser Hall.

The second construction boom took place in the years following World War II. Enrollment at IWU and other U.S. colleges and universities benefitted greatly from the G.I. Bill, which granted financial support to former soldiers seeking an education. The sharp increase in student numbers at IWU led to post-war expansion, resulting in the addition of eight campus buildings. New buildings included Memorial Student Center, Shaw Hall, and several residence halls to accommodate the growing student population.

The slideshow below features selected aerial photographs that depict the changes to campus over time. Explore the objects in this section to learn more about highlighted campus locations.