ISU Incorporates Technology While Preserving the Past

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — Class is now in session at Indiana State University’s Scott College of Business. The building opened for the 2012 fall semester after crews completed a renovation of Federal Hall, a 77-year-old federal courthouse and post office building.

The building, originally constructed in 1953, will now offer students a high-tech, 21st century learning environment in the midst of the historic building.

“This is a beautiful building,” said Bruce McLaren, associate dean of the Scott College of Business. “We had a chance to save it, and so we were able to preserve the historic parts of the building as well as build a 21st century learning environment for our business students.”

Indianapolis-based architecture firm, Schmidt Associates completed the $20 million restoration with the future on their minds and history at their hands. They faced the challenge of creating a space for student learning and technology innovation, while preserving the many traditional deco elements of the building. Some important features that were preserved in the renovation of the historical courthouse include the judge’s library, a walnut paneled courtroom, a mural of the signing of the Magna Carta and elaborate finishes on the elevator doors.

“The level of finishes in this building is extraordinary,” said Bryan Duncan, ISU director of capital planning and improvement. “The marble and limestone finishes throughout the building are probably the main feature you notice.”

Not only are the design approaches aesthetically pleasing, but the design also matches the forward thinking curriculum of the university.

“The building is cleverly designed so the technology supports innovation, and I think that’s the way that it has to be,” said Brien N. Smith, dean of Smith College, in a statement.

The design focused on not just what architects were going to bring into the building, but what students have been carrying with them to class for the past couple years.

“Today’s college students travel everywhere with their iPad, laptop and smartphone, so we integrated cutting-edge technology into this historic building to provide power and data at everyone’s fingertips, and wireless access throughout to deliver the global access that students expect,” said Sarah Hempstead of Schmidt Associates. “In the short time the building has been in use, instructors are already seeing a renewed interest and energy from students who are more engaged with their studies.”

The building is a testament of “old meets new,” and shows how history can be preserved, despite the changes of school design and technology. The building is on the National Record of Historic Places, but the renovation is not conflicting with the preservation of history, instead it is helping to redefine the building.

“The completed renovation is beyond my original expectations,” said Dan Scott, namesake of the Scott College of Business and generous gift provider to help make Federal Hall renovations possible. “I thought it was going to be amazing when this all started, but it has turned out even better than I expected.”