The University of Minnesota’s original Pioneer Hall was built in stages between 1928 and 1932, in the 1950’s structures were added on and connected, and in the 1970s it was further renovated. Given the age of the original building it had outdated electrical and plumbing and did not meet modern accessibility codes, energy-efficiency or creature comforts.

Built in the Georgian Revival style, the hall’s signature red brick exterior, slate roofs, central cupolas, terrazzo staircases, round-arched first-floor windows and doorway stone surrounds established historic integrity. Its two C-shaped wings framed landscaped courtyards surrounded by low brick and stone parapet walls that were accessed through round-arched passageways. These archways are now prominently featured in the new dining facility and on each of the study rooms.