Iconic Anderson Hall seeks generous Wildcats to restore its historic glory — and sustainable future
By Marisa Larson ’93, ’16, KSU Foundation staff
Imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower, or St. Louis without the arch. Now imagine the K-State campus without Anderson Hall. Scary to imagine, isn’t it?
If you haven’t visited campus in recent years, you might be shocked to see that our most recognizable structure is in such disrepair. In the past, updates and maintenance to Anderson Hall often were relegated to the backburner to make room for pressing needs like improved lab space and updated classrooms.
But our beloved Anderson Hall can’t wait any longer.
DOUBLE DOLLARS
Acting now creates a stable, weather-sealed exterior to protect the progress we’ve made on improvements inside and halts the deterioration on the outside. But most importantly, it cuts the project price tag in half.
Anderson Hall is eligible for matching state funds through the 2024 Campus Restoration Act, putting a $42 million need within reach for much less. In order to get these matching funds, we must raise $24.4 million by July 2027.
PRESERVING HISTORY
In 1980, Anderson Hall was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in honor of its importance to education and in recognition of its notable architectural features. That’s a point of pride for K-State, but it also adds an extra wrinkle to renovations.
The original windows were installed with wood frames that are now deteriorating rapidly, and the ornate corner pieces are seeing considerable damage as well. Inspections have revealed the limestone crumbling from the inside out due to water infiltration through gaps, caused in part by the ivy that once adorned Anderson’s walls.
On top of this damage, since the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, there are restrictions on the work that can be done. So far, K-State has been approved to replace the wood with metal for better weather resistance. Overall, the building needs new limestone and mortar in specific areas, new windows, additional disability accessible entrances and other minor updates.
The materials needed for these updates, because of the building’s age, are extremely hard to source and relatively expensive. To keep the building in tip-top shape and avoid damage during construction, our campus infrastructure leaders are identifying builders who have a background in historical reconstruction work.
BACK TO THE FUTURE
Here’s the silver lining: Anderson Hall will never have to take a backseat to other facilities ever again. Part of the fundraising goal includes a $2.1 million maintenance fund so Anderson Hall can remain in tip-top shape for generations.
And once renovations are complete, Anderson Hall will look more like its historic photos. Plans include restoring the building’s original porches that existed more than 100 years ago, enhancing accessibility and creating more functional and welcoming spaces.
Your turn
To invest in Anderson Hall, contact a development officer at 785-775-2400 or giving@ksufoundation.org.
KEY ISSUES
WINDOWS
There are 268 windows on Anderson Hall and every one is a custom size. Windows will be restored with period-correct modern replacements using approved historical preservation methods.
EXTERIOR STONE
Modern materials and techniques will return Anderson Hall to its previous grandeur. In addition to the stone restoration, water, electrical and gas service connections will be incorporated into the exterior walls.
WOODWORK
The extensive woodwork, roof, eaves and trim will be renovated and restored, eliminating the rot affecting the wood structures now.
