The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Merner Fieldhouse; Pfeiffer Hall; Kaufman Hall

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Kaufman Hall (ca. 1950), North Central College

Kaufman Hall, North Central College

Pfeiffer Hall, North Central College

Merner Fieldhouse, North Central College

Institution Name: North Central College
Original/Historic Place Name: Merner Fieldhouse; Pfeiffer Hall; Kaufman Hall
Location on Campus: various
Date(s) of Construction:

1926	dedication; Pfeiffer Hall
1928	original construction; Kaufman Hall
1931	dedication; Merner Fieldhouse

Designer: unknown
Type of Place: Building group
Style: Modern/post-WWII, Beaux-Arts classicism (Glossary)
Significance: education
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Function:

1926-present (2006)	auditorium (Pfeiffer Hall, for performing arts; with assembly area)
ca. 1928	residence hall (Kaufman Hall)
1928-present (2006)	dining hall (Kaufman Hall)
1931-present (2006)	gymnasium (Merner Fieldhouse)

Narrative:
The Pfeiffers (Annie Merner Pfeiffer, Henry Pfeiffer, and Gustavus Pfeiffer) were large donors to North Central College. Three buildings which are still in use today include them as primary sponsors, all of which exemplify their generosity towards higher education institutions in the United States. Merner Fieldhouse is largely the same as built. Pfeiffer Hall has undergone several renovations, the most recent including air conditioning; and Kaufman Hall has undergone the most change. The residence portion of the hall was removed and the dining hall portion enlarged to accommodate the growing resident student body.

References:

Klauder, Charles Z., and Herbert C. Wise. College Architecture in America and Its Part in the Development of the Campus. New York: C. Scribner's Sons, 1929.

North Central College & Naperville: A Shared History, 1870-1995. Naperville, IL: North Central College, 1995.

Roberts, Clarence N. A Clear & Steady Light: A Brief History of North Central College. Naperville, IL: North Central College, 1981.

Roberts, Clarence N. North Central College: A Century of Liberal Education, 1861-1961. Naperville, IL: North Central College, 1960.

Savage, Charles. A College In Its Community. Naperville, IL: North Central College, [n.d.].