Old Library at Loyola begins to come down
April 10, 2015
As part of the University’s Master Plan, the university is moving forward with the demolition of the Old Library to prepare for the anticipated construction of the new Tom Benson Jesuit Center.
According to a prepared statement, university officials say that this demolition of the Old Library fulfills another a commitment that major construction activities would be finished this summer.
Some historical elements, as well as some of the exterior stone, have been removed from the Old Library and stored to be included in the new Tom Benson Jesuit Center building design and construction.
The university will suspend demolition activities during final exams, the first week of May. After May 7, the remaining portions of the Old Library
will be demolished and the debris will be hauled off. Over the summer, related infrastructure work will be completed, so that by the beginning of
the fall semester, the Old Library site will have been transformed to green space, with walkways to the new Monroe Hall and Palm Court.
The final site transformation will include the construction yard behind Monroe Hall, so that the entire area becomes one large green space, with
the main entrance to Monroe Hall visible and accessible as designed.
Footage from the School of Mass Communication Drone:
Old Library Drone 4 from Loyola Maroon on Vimeo.
Old Library: Drone 3 from Loyola Maroon on Vimeo.
Andrew • Apr 21, 2015 at 12:41 am
I didn’t like this idea at first. After much consideration, I still think it’s lousy. For one, that building was dedicated to the memory of Loyola students who left their studies to fight in the second world war and died. Since it’s been a while and is no longer trending, does that mean it’s OK to forget about it? For two, that library was one of the few remaining designed where the stacks were part of the support structure. It was a rare, beautiful building, and Loyola is demolishing it. For three, Loyola wants to seriously demolish this building, then make it a “Jesuit Center” named after a rich businessman who is currently in a front page familial dispute trying to disinherit his children and grandchildren. This same businessman who holds the city ransom via a football team. For four, what purpose is this building going to play in the lives of students? I seriously doubt it’s going to serve as an evangelical tool for Jesuits. Still having class in a trailer or moldy room? For five, why is Loyola blowing money like this when they don’t have it coming in? How much more are they going to jack up tuition and hold kids hostage via financial transcript holds?
What a joke.
Deanna • Apr 16, 2015 at 9:24 am
Are the plans for the new building available anywhere? Are they keeping with the same architecture look of the old building? It was such a beautiful building and unique to Loyola…it’s sad to see it go.
August Palumbo • Apr 12, 2015 at 9:03 am
As an alum this saddens me, and not for nostalgic reasons. Why destroy a beautiful building that matches the architecture of the surrounding buildings instead of re-purposing it? I wonder how long it will take to see Loyola renamed Benson University.
August Palumbo ’70