Tempe Historic Property Survey

Old Main is historically significant for its association with the Territorial Normal School and its growth into Arizona State University. It is the oldest surviving building on the campus and is the focal point of the quad (open space) associated with the original school property. The Main Building was the principal academic and administrative center of the campus until the late 1940s, when the post-war expansion began. In March of 1911, Theodore Roosevelt spoke from the front steps while visiting Arizona to dedicate Roosevelt Dam.

Architecturally, the Main Building is one of the largest buildings constructed in the Arizona Territory, at a total cost of $44,071.00. It is distinctive in its use of materials, especially native granite from Tempe Butte and red sandstone from the famous Flagstaff quarry.

The Main Building is two and one-half stories tall with a full basement. The overall massing (30 ft. by 135 ft.), the hipped and projecting gable roof, the porch detailing, and the chimneys reflect a Victorian, Queen Anne influence, while the granite base and red sandstone decorative stair copings and entryway hoods have a decidedly Richardsonian Romanesque feeling. The exterior and bearing walls are brick, while the roof is pressed metal with castellated cresting and metal ridge finials. The main facade faces north toward University Drive (formerly 8th Street) and is distinguished by two projecting gables separated by the 1953 fire stair addition. Originally the building had a two-story wooden porch and projecting stone stairway. Openings generally have stone lintels, and stone string courses wrap the building at the window sill level. The windows of the upper levels of the north facade have circular arches, while openings on the south have segmental arches. The interiors have been modified but with rather limited removal of original elements. The building has been well maintained and appears to have no structural problems.

The building has been restored to its original appearance and is the headquarters for the ASU Alumni Association.

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