Harper Hall also known as the Chemical Laboratory is located on the campus of the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.  It  was built between 1877 and 1878. It was designed and built by Nathan Clifford Rocker and John Mills Van Osdell.

     Nathan Clifford Rocker was a professor at the University.  It was his very first major architectural work.  He went on to design many other famous campus buildings.

     John Mills Van Osdell was a well known Chicago architect.  He worked with Rocker to create the building plans

     It is a 3 story  red brick facade designed in the historic Second Empire and Italianate styles.

  

Features of the building

     Mansard Roof

It is a classic slate roof with two angles on each side. The lower section is much steeper than the upper section.

     Patterned slate shingles

Roof was durable colored slate tiles arranged in a pleasing geometric design.. Most of the shingles are black,but red and green tiles are used to create a beautiful pattern.

     Building layout

There is a I shaped layout. This set up helped morning  natural window light for early science students

     Italianate Exterior

The outside walls feature  gorgeous red brick accents and large arched windows that give the hall a grand classic look

In 1896, the roof  caught fire and had to be replaced. In 1991 to 1992, the building underwent a major renovation.  This was a 3.5 million dollar project.  The inside of the building was completely rebuilt.  The exterior was restored to its original 1870’s look

Haker Hall has served many different purposes over it 140 year history, transitioning from a science labarotory, to a law school, and eventually into an administrative hubs.

     1877-1902 Chemical Laboratory

The building was originally built to be the  university’s first dedicated chemistry building.  It was state of the art space filled with laboratories and classrooms for students learning the chemical sciences

     Law School 1902 to 1927.

The building became the home of the college of the law. It was renamed for Oliver A. Harker, a law school dean in 1941

     Department.of Entomology

In 1926,the building was changed so it could be used for the studies of insects.

     Department of Botany

In 1930, the Botany.Department moved into parts of the second floor.

     General Classrooms

For many years , the ground floor and other rooms were used as general.spaces for student classes

     University of Illinois Foundation

In 1992, the building beca!e the main home for the University’s fund raising group.  The Foundation utilized the space for decades before relocating to a new headquarters.