Steele Hall Special Collections Research Center

Steele Hall, SU Photo & Imaging RS 8513

Construction Started: April, 1898

Building Occupied: October 1, 1898

Builders: Dickinson and Van Wagner

Style: Modified Renaissance

Architect: Edwin H. Gaggin, Class of 1892, Syracuse University School of Architecture

Materials: Rock-faced Onondaga limestone

Space: 130' by 75'

Cost: Over $46,000

Funding: $5,000, Mrs. Esther Baker Steele, trustee; $28,000, John D. Archbold; various other donors

Notes: Originally called Esther Baker Steele Hall of Physics, it was designed to match the Holden Observatory in style. Originally, it housed the Physics Department, until then located in the Hall of Languages. Over the years it has been the home of many other departments, such as Biology, Architecture and Citizenship. In 1969, the Physics Building was completed and Steele became an administration building. Functional improvements have been made over the years.