Built 1892 NRHP Reference # 71000671 Added to NRHP 21 June 1971 | Architect J.G. Haskell Opened 1892 Nearest city Edmond | |
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Location University of Central Oklahoma campus, Edmond, Oklahoma Similar Hamilton Field House, Nigh University Center, Wantland Stadium, Edmond Historical Society, Stephenson Park | ||
Old North Tower (or Old North) is the oldest building on the University of Central Oklahoma campus in Edmond, Oklahoma, and the oldest building of higher education in the state of Oklahoma. Originally built in 1892, it was the first permanent building on the Territorial Normal School campus.
Contents
History
The construction of Old North, designed by J.G. Haskell began in the summer of 1892, and classes began in January 1893.
Early in Old North's history the building was deemed unsafe. In 1911, the structure was set for demolition, but instead was renovated.
The most major milestone for Old North was when the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
Renovation
The university closed Old North in 2001 because of structural and safety issues. Old North was left dormant until funds could be raised to renovate the building. The $11,000,000 of renovations include the addition of an east wing, an amphitheater, additional maintenance space, and elevators to make the building ADA compliant. The building was the centerpiece of UCO's Always Central campaign to raise $40,000,000; however, the renovations were scheduled to be the last portion of the campaign.