Construction of Marquette University’s McCormick Hall began on May 10, 1966, 47 years ago today.

45 years ago today:
Marquette University dedicated McCormick Hall — a “residence hall for men” — and hosted an open house on March 3, 1968. Students moved into the first six floors in September 1967 then the remaining six floors in January 1968. According to the dedication brochure (pictured), Marquette originally planned to build a twin residence tower directly behind McCormick. In 1990, McCormick became a co-ed residence hall.

Source: Marquette University Archives

Throwback Thursday:
Marquette University bought the La Salle Hotel on Feb. 28, 1964, which became Cobeen Hall.

Source: Marquette University Archives

Straz Tower at Marquette University.

Did you know…?
Cobeen Hall was named on Dec. 17, 1964 to honor Charles T. Cobeen (1898-1963). A graduate of the Class of 1920, “Charlie” Cobeen managed Marquette’s student union for 27 years then served as university business manager for 16 years.

Week 44: Straz Tower
David A. Straz, Jr. Tower soars 18 stories and offers coed housing to sophomores and honors freshmen. Straz Tower is also home to Marquette University’s human resources department, financial offices and the Rec Plex recreation-fitness facility. On the first floor, you’ll find my favorite spot, Bob’s Barber Shop.

Built in 1954, Straz Tower previously served as the central branch of YMCA Milwaukee. Marquette began leasing space in the “Y” in 1974 and purchased the building in 1993. Formerly known as East Hall, the building was renovated in 2000. Straz Tower honors alumnus and trustee emeritus David A. Straz, Jr.

Part of the Marquette Campus: A to Z photo series.

McCormick Hall amid autumn blaze maple trees at Marquette University.

Sept. 22, 1957: Schroeder Hall dedicated
Fifty-five years ago today, Marquette University dedicated its new eight-story men’s residence hall, Schroeder Hall. According to the hall’s welcome pamphlet, Marquette designed Schroeder with “the tastes and habits of young college men” in mind. Amenities from 1957 included:

• “a corridor phone for every four rooms [to handle] incoming calls”
• “vinyl plastic wall covering in bedrooms”
• “specially designed studio beds with bolsters [long pillows]”
• “single study desks in maple with typing shelf”
• “built-in medicine chest mirrors with outlets for electric shavers”
• “color schemes in blue, brown, coral and green tones”
• “laundry room with automatic washers and dryers”
• “pressing room with irons and ironing boards”
• “lounges equipped for television viewing”
• “two fully automated self-operating high speed elevators, regulated to stop on alternate floors.”

Today Schroeder Hall is a co-ed residence hall for sophomores, topped with two additional floors.

1957 photo and pamphlet source: Marquette University Archives

Week 38: Schroeder Hall
Schroeder Hall is a 10-story, coed residence hall for 660 residents. Exclusive to sophomores, the hall offers mostly double rooms with common bath areas and a dining room. Schroeder opened as a men’s residence hall in 1957. The building became coed by floor in 1973 and was fully renovated in 1992. The hall’s name honors Walter Schroeder (1878-1967), a Marquette benefactor and seven-year member of the Board of Governors.

Part of the Marquette Campus: A to Z photo series.

Mobile phone break while waiting to move into Cobeen Hall at Marquette University.