Old Main

Old Main is historically significant for its association with the Normal School and its growth into Arizona State University. It is the oldest surviving building on the campus and is the focal point of the quad (open space) associated with the original school property. The Main Building was the principal academic and administrative center of the campus until the late forties when the post war expansion began. In March of 1911, Theodore Roosevelt spoke from the front steps, while visiting Arizona to dedicate Roosevelt Dam.

Architecturally, the Main Building was one of the largest buildings to have been constructed in the Arizona Territory. It is distinctive in its use of materials, especially native granite from Tempe Butte and red sandstone from the famous Flagstaff quarry.

The building has undergone major restoration/renovation in c. 1998, including restoration of the front façade, and a new addition on the south elevation to accommodate exiting requirements, vertical circulation and toilet rooms.