Cheers and RIP - Wilson Hall

The Main Green’s Wilson Hall was built through the bequest of a chemical manufacturer named George Francis Wilson for the use of the physics department, and dedicated on June 15, 1891. From the time of its initial occupation, the building was used by the physics department and later shared by the mathematics department. After both moved to new buildings, Wilson Hall was reconstructed to provide general classrooms.In April of 2017, the Richard A. and Susan P. Friedman Family Foundation—the same Freidmans who brought us the SciLi's 24-hour Friedman Study Center and the Friedman Auditorium—donated $24 million to restore and renovate Wilson Hall. The renovation to Wilson included maintaining the original exterior and adding seven new classrooms with common areas, and, most notably, finally making the building accessible to those with disabilities (despite the ~1990~ passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act!).On the inside, Friedman is reminiscent of Wilson, but in a eerie way you can’t quite put your finger on. The most distinguishing difference is that the building is filled with exposed brick that’s painted white. It’s tempting to feel like this is the only change, until you start to think that maybe there’s more space? Another floor has been added? The stifling rooms that seemed to have once been crawlspace are now actual classrooms? There are elaborate desk type things that you’re not sure are art installations or desks? How exactly do you use them? Also, is that accessible ramp in front a little too steep? Is it maybe just a pile of dirt with cement and weird landscaping? Blog isn’t sure. I’ll miss Wilson. I’ll miss running up the front stairs to get inside to then run up two more flights to arrive in a lowly lit room where it feels like the air hadn’t moved in years, hot and dry in the middle of February. I’ll miss feeling the ghosts pass by, probably of Wilson’s lab rats from his chemical plant. But, life must go on, and Wilson’s inaccessibility has been problematic for 28 years too long. Go say hello to Friedman, try to make the white brick a little less white, and enjoy the two entrances, despite the ill-thought-out ramps! Images via, via, via.