PRESERVATION PLAN - Society for College and University Planning

Preservation 

Pl a n 

Made possible with grants from: 

Th e Ge t t y Fo u n d at i o n 

Ca m p u s He r i ta g e Gr a n t s 

Sl i p p e ry Ro c k Un i v e r s i t y 

o f Pe n n s y lva n i a 

P 

Prepared by 

Pi t t s b u r g h Hi s t o r y & 

La n d m a r k s Fo u n d at i o n 

Consultants 

La n d m a r k s De s i g n 

As s o c i at e s Ar c h i t e c t s 

Li b e rt o Ho r i t c u lt u r a l 

Co n s u lt i n g & De s i g n 

PRESERVATION PLAN 1

2 SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY

The purpose of this plan is to outline recommendations for the 

preservation, conservation and continued use of the 

historic landscape and buildings of Slippery Rock University. 

Funding for this project was provided through a 

Campus Heritage Grant 

awarded by 

The Getty Foundation 

and by 

Slippery Rock University 


Researched, Written and Produced by: 

P 

Pi t t s b u r g h Hi s t o ry & La n d m a r k s Fo u n d at i o n 

100 West Station Square Drive, STE 450 

Pittsburgh, PA 15219 • 412-471-5808 • www.phlf.org 

Arthur P. Ziegler, Jr., President 

Eugene V. Matta, Director of Real Estate & Special Development Programs 

Thomas Keffer, Property & Construction Manager 

Louise Sturgess, Executive Director 

Albert Tannler, Historical Collections Director 

Ronald C. Yochum, Jr., Chief Information Officer 

Consultants: 

Ellis Schmidlapp, Landmarks Design Associates Architects 

Richard A. Liberto, Liberto Horticulture Consulting & Design 

Slippery Rock University Administration and Staff: 

Dr. Robert Smith, President 

William F. Williams - Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs 

Herbert F. Carlson Assistant Vice President for Facility Services 

Dr. Robert Watson, VP Student Affairs 

Nancy Cruikshank, Grants Office 

Original drawings consulted in this report were reviewed with the assistance of Laura Samples of 

the Slippery Rock Facilities and Planning Office and Robert Naugles of Eckles Architecture. 

Historic photographs were obtained from the Slippery Rock University Archives at the Bailey 

Library with the assistance of Kevin McLatchy. 

Historical information was gathered from papers and publications of Dr. Kurt Pitluga of Slippery 

Rock University and from “The Legend Behind the Name” by Robert J. Watson, Ph.D. 

© 2007 by Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation. All rights reserved. 


Co n t e n t s 

In t r o d u c t i o n................................................................................. 7 

Ed u c at i o n a l Me e t i n g................................................................... 7 

Hi s t o r y o f Ca m p u s Pl a n.............................................................. 11 

Id e n t i f i c at i o n o f Historic Ca m p u s Di s t r i c t, St r u c t u r e s........ 17 

Recommendation For National Register Listing......................17 

Recommendation For Campus Planning Process.....................18 

Ge n e r a l Re c o m m e n d at i o n s......................................................... 21 

Exteriors................................................................................... 21 

Roof Coverings........................................................................ 21 

Cornices and exterior woodwork..............................................21 

Windows.................................................................................. 21 

Masonry.................................................................................... 22 

Entrances and corridors............................................................ 22 

Significant Interior Spaces....................................................... 22 

Landscape, hardscape and site lighting.................................... 23 

Trees, plantings, and other landscape conditions.............. 23 

Historic District heirloom plant suggestions..................... 24 

Lighting............................................................................. 26 

Archival Resources.................................................................. 26 

In d i v i d u a l Re c o m m e n d at i o n s....................................................... 27 

East Gymnasium (Pearl K. Stoner Instructional Complex)..... 29 

Robert. A. Lowry Center.......................................................... 31 

Maltby Center........................................................................... 33 

McKay Education Building..................................................... 35 

North Hall................................................................................ 37 

Old Main.................................................................................. 39 

President’s Residence............................................................... 41 

Strain Science Building............................................................ 43 

West Gymnasium (Pearl K. Stoner Instructional Complex).... 45 

Rizza Hall (West Hall)............................................................. 47 

Hickory Schoolhouse............................................................... 49 

In d i v i d u a l Histories, Su rv e y s, Im m e d i at e Ma i n t e n a n c e Issues..51 

Chronology of Construction of the Historic Campus.............. 53 

History of Campus Site............................................................ 55 

Gymnasiums - Stoner Education Complex.............................. 57 

Hickory Schoolhouse............................................................... 61 

Lowry House............................................................................ 63 

Maltby Hall .............................................................................. 67 

McKay Education Building..................................................... 71 

North Hall................................................................................ 75 

Old Main.................................................................................. 79 

President’s House..................................................................... 83 

Strain Science Building............................................................ 85 

Rizza Hall (formerly West Hall).............................................. 89 

Su m m a r y ......................................................................................... 93 



Sl i p p e ry Ro c k Un i v e r s i t y 

Historic Ca m p u s Pr e s e rvat i o n Pl a n 

In t r o d u c t i o n 

Slippery Rock University is the only Commonwealth of Pennsylvania related school studied by the 

Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation as part of the Getty Campus Heritage Studies of four 

Western Pennsylvania Colleges. 

The Preservation Plan is based on an analysis of the historic structures of Slippery Rock 

University made between June 2006 and September 2006 by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks 

Foundation and its consultants, and refined and revised through consultation with the college. The 

plan was the subject of a campus-wide seminar to which all interested staff, faculty, and students 

were invited. 

Ed u c at i o n a l Me e t i n g 

The Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation (PHLF) worked with the President’s Office setting 

up an educational meeting on February 1, 2007, where PHLF’s selected staff and consultants shared 

with the college students, faculty, and staff the findings and recommendations of the conservation 

work done so far. 

PHLF sent a copy of the preliminary Slippery Rock University draft report to the University 

President’s office of all the work completed, and supplied information on how to download the draft 

report on its web site (www.phlf.org/getty). PHLF’s intention was to provide as much access to the 

information as possible to the college community regarding the findings and recommendations made 

by Thomas Keffer, PHLF’s Property and Construction Manager, and Ellis Schmidlapp, President 

of Landmarks Design Associates Architects. Because Slippery Rock University joined the group 

of colleges late, it was not possible to undertake a thorough landscape evaluation; the University 

President lamented this fact during PHLF’s presentation. 

There were approximately fifty persons attending the presentation, including the University 

President, staff, faculty and students. The audience was attentive and comments on the work 

completed were positive. The University President was very pleased with the presentation and 

requested if Mr. Schmidlapp could review the issue of landscaping. 

Architect Ellis Schmidlapp spoke primarily about long-term issues and briefly described the 

campus during the 1891 to 1906 period, during a boom period that extended from approximately 

1929 to 1939 – the University’s Revival period – and after 1942. Mr. Schmidlapp strongly suggested 

the creation of a Heritage Area or Historic Campus District. 

Mr. Keffer’s presentation was focused on immediate maintenance issues. An important area that 

Mr. Keffer addressed was the benefit of illuminating historic buildings and pathways and in this way 

saving in energy as well as giving the campus a romantic and pleasant view after dark. 

The President of the Students Government Association, Amie Homa, wrote us the following note: 

“I would like to thank you, Mr. Keffer and Mr. Schmidlapp for an impressive and insightful 

presentation of the draft preservation plan for Slippery Rock University. As President of the 

Students Government Association, I find it particularly appealing to maintain and preserve our 

historic structures and traditions of the campus. Thank you again and I look forward to sharing the 

study with other students.” 



Hi s t o r y o f 

Ca m p u s Pl a n 



Hi s t o r y o f Ca m p u s Pl a n 

Slippery Rock University, in Slippery Rock Township, Butler County, Pa., commemorates its 

founding in 1889 when it was accredited as a State of Pennsylvania normal school. This date 

represents less a beginning than a culmination. In 1887 efforts began to establish an academy, later 

a state normal school, in what was then Centerville, Pa. Later, the township, like the school, would 

be named after the Slippery Rock Creek. Initial fund raising led to the establishment of the Slippery 

Rock State Normal School Association early in 1888, followed by the acquisition of ten acres for a 

campus. A building committee was established and in March of 1888 architect S. W. Foulk of New 

Castle, Pa., was asked to prepare sketches for three buildings. His designs were accepted and a 

contractor was hired in May. 1 

Foulk’s firm designed eight buildings for Slippery Rock between 1888 and 1906. Five are gone: 

North Hall, 1888-94, enlarged 1894, burned 1937; South Hall I and II, 1888-95, burned and rebuilt 

1896, demolished 1962; and the Chapel I and II, 1888-1896, burned and rebuilt 1897, demolished 

1971. 2 Three remain: Old Main (1891-93), West Hall (1902), and West Gymnasium (1906). 

Sidney Winfield Foulk (1848-1932) was born in Ohio, the son of a cabinet maker/carpenter. 3 The 

family moved to Western Pennsylvania in the 1850s. Nothing is known of Sidney’s architectural 

apprenticeship, but by 1879 he was a practicing “architect and builder” in Greenville, Pa. In 1883, 

he moved to New Castle. He was known as an accomplished architect of churches, YMCAs, 

elementary schools, and hotels. 4 Art historian Kurt Pitluga observes that Foulk’s buildings 

demonstrate “a personal style working within the freedom and relaxed framework of the popular 

Queen Anne and Richardsonian Romanesque styles, often fusing the two together to produce highly 

picturesque designs.” 5 Foulk’s sons, Frank and Ralph, apprenticed with him, and in 1899, Frank, 

who had studied at the Armour Institute in Chicago, became a partner and the firm became S. W. 

Foulk & Son. In 1907, Sidney retired and Frank took charge of the firm; Sidney and Ralph traveled 

to California and Sidney settled in Long Beach where he died in 1932. 6 

The three surviving Foulk buildings were designed and erected between 1891 and 1906 at the 

request of principal Albert B. Maltby, who served from 1890 to 1915. Old Main (1891-93) was the 

first. Watson states: 

Construction of the $75,000 structure began in 1891 and was ready for use in 1893. 

Trimmed in Ohio sandstone, this majestic red brick building, appropriately called Main 

Building, quickly became the center of life on the Slippery Rock campus. Dr. Maltby set up 

his administrative office on the first floor of this new structure. The library was located on 

the second floor with the gymnasium on the third. 7 

“Foulk’s freewheeling designs always have distinguishing details. Here, the façade is a lively 

arrangement of abstract geometric volumes: a square tower emerges between two projecting bays, 

one polygonal and one circular, dramatically offsetting the cavernous void of the entrance below.” 8 

Early in Dr. Maltby’s tenure “key acquisitions of land were made which unified the campus and 

gave the school direct access from the heart of the campus to Main Street. The Long Walk which 

permitted easy access from the heart of the campus to Main Street, first constructed of plank boards, 

was later rebuilt of cement. Dr. Maltby, a civil engineer, did much of the surveying of the land 

which the school acquired.” 9 

In 1902 West Hall [now Rizza Hall], designed by Foulk’s elder son and partner, Frank H. Foulk 

(1874-1929), was completed at a cost of $27,000 to house the Model School and the Science 

Department 10 : “Constructed of yellow brick, it continues the Richardsonian Romanesque style 

with heavy stonework around the doors and windows.” 11 Sidney Foulk’s final building for Slippery 

Rock, West Gymnasium [now Stoner West], opened in 1906: “It is a slight departure from the 

Richardsonian Romanesque styling of the previous buildings. The gym uses a Classical vocabulary 

in the porticos on the north and west elevations, although the massing of the building remains 

Richardsonian.” 12 The Class of 1908 contributed a pair of stone lions to guard the entrance. 13 

The initial building program at Slippery Rock unfolded during the institution’s first nineteen years 

of development and growth and the major campus buildings were the work of a single architectural 


firm. It would be another two decades before the second major period of expansion; this would 

last for some ten years and was also entrusted to a single architectural firm. The second building 

program began during the administration of J. Linwood Eisenberg [1917-34] and was completed 

under his successor, Charles S. Miller [1934-40]. Watson notes: “In order to keep pace with the 

expanding academic programs and enrollments, Slippery Rock had to enlarge its campus and its 

physical facilities. Land purchases of 1923, 1925 and 1929 brought the total acreage of the campus 

to 150 acres . . . . In 1929, Dr. Eisenberg launched a major building program.” 14 Subsequently, 

President Miller applied for $905,000 from $64 million building construction funds made available 

under the Pennsylvania Authority Act of 1935. 15 Seven major campus buildings were erected 

between 1929 and 1939; all were designed by W. G. Eckles Co. of New Castle, Pa. 

William George Eckles (1867-1932) founded his firm in New Castle, Pa., in 1898. He provided 

diverse architectural design services, largely residences, churches, and commercial buildings. He 

began to design secondary schools and was recognized as an accomplished school architect, of 

collegiate as well as secondary school buildings. 16 The Education Center (1929; now McKay 

Education Center) 17 and East Gymnasium (1929-30) 18 were designed and erected during his tenure. 

Robert A. Eckles (1898-1968) succeeded his father as head of the firm in 1932. Robert Eckles 

attended Amherst College 1916-18, received his B.S. degree from M.I.T. in 1921, and joined the 

family firm in 1922. Robert Eckles led the firm until 1968 19 and he would logically have overseen 

the design and construction of the Secondary Laboratory School (1937; an addition to the Education 

Center), 20 Strain Science Building (1937-38), 21 Maltby Library (1937-39), 22 President’s Residence 

(1937-39), 23 and North Hall (1938-39). 24 

Although Eckles & Co. were well-known during the 1930s for their Collegiate Gothic, their 

1937-39 Slippery Rock buildings were derived from a different design vocabulary: “Designed in 

Georgian and early colonial architectural styles, these buildings gave the Slippery Rock campus the 

quiet dignified appearance of many of the colleges of the East.” 25 

Two older buildings acquired by Slippery Rock should be mentioned. Hickory Schoolhouse 

(1860) was moved to the campus in 1989 and later relocated. The residence of faculty member 

Howard Headland, erected in 1928, was purchased by Slippery Rock. It was renamed Lowry Center 

in 1998 in honor of Dr. Robert A. Lowry, Acting President, 1968. 

– 

Bibliography 

Watson, Robert J. Slippery Rock State College: The Legend Behind the Name. Slippery Rock State College Alumni 

Association, 1982. 

Donnelly, Lu, David Brumble, and Franklin Toker. “Slippery Rock University.” The Buildings of Western Pennsylvania 

(Society of Architectural Historians, forthcoming). 

“S. W. Foulk & Son.” New Castle, Pennsylvania and Vicinity at the Dawn of the Twentieth Century. Buffalo, NY: W. H. 

Seward & Co., 1904: 14 

S. W. Foulk obituary. New Castle News, 13 October 1932 

Pitluga, Kurt W. “S. W. Foulk: A Lost Victorian Master.” Unpublished paper. 

“Mr. Eckles and School Architecture.” The Ohio Architect, Engineer & Builder (October 1915): 11-20. 

Withey, Henry F., and Elsie R. Withey. Biographical Dictionary of American Architects (Deceased). Los Angeles, New Age, 

1956: 188-189. 

(Footnotes) 

1Robert J. Watson, Slippery Rock State College: The Legend Behind the Name (Slippery Rock State College Alumni 

Association, 1982), 2-5. Slippery Rock Normal School became state-run in 1915, was renamed State Teachers College at 

Slippery Rock in 1927, Slippery Rock State College in 1960, and Slippery Rock University in 1982. 

2 North Hall, South Hall, and the Chapel were originally wooden buildings [Watson, 14]. In 1894, North Hall was enlarged 

and remodeled from an “L-shaped building into one resembling an E and by adding a Norman, a Gothic and a Turkish tower, 

the hall now had 149 rooms which could house 300 students” [Watson, 18]. North Hall burned October 16, 1937 [Watson, 

77]. South Hall burned in May 1895: “construction began in the summer of 1895. By the following year, a new brick, 


U-shaped, three-story dormitory was completed. A tower held a bell which signaled meal times and other campus activities” 

[Watson, 23]. The Chapel burned in June of 1896: “Again the school acted promptly and within a year, a new stone chapel of 

Norman-French architecture with stain[sic]-glass windows was built. The auditorium, which could seat a thousand persons, 

had a full stage, dressing and storage rooms, and an organ” [Watson, 23]. 

3 Biographical information from Kurt W. Pitluga, “S. W. Foulk: A Lost Victorian Master” (unpublished paper). Dr. Pitluga is 

a member of the Art History faculty at Slippery Rock University. 

4 S. W. Foulk’s sole surviving hotel, the 1891 Buena Vista Hotel (now Old Main at Southern Virginia University), Buena 

Vista, Virginia, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. 

5 Pitluga, 1. 

6 Kurt Pitluga states that Sidney and Ralph Foulk designed buildings in Colorado, Idaho, and California as they moved 

westward [4]. 

7 Watson, 18. 

8 Lu Donnelly, David Brumble, and Franklin Toker, “Slippery Rock University,” The Buildings of Pittsburgh and Western 

Pennsylvania (Society of Architectural Historians, forthcoming). 

9 Watson, 18. 

10 Watson, 24. 

11“Slippery Rock University,” SAH. 

12 Ibid. 


14 Watson, 60. Watson notes that enrollment grew from 533 in 1923 to 852 in 1929 [58]. 


16 Henry F. Withey, and Elsie R. Withey, Biographical Dictionary of American Architects (Deceased) (Los Angeles, New 

Age, 1956), 188-189. See also www.ecklesarchitecture.com. 



19 Robert Eckles was succeeded by his son William George Eckles, II (b. 1925) who attended Grove City College, received a 

B. S. in Civil Engineering from Brown University in 1945, and a B. A. in Architecture from Carnegie Institute of Technology 

in 1949. He joined the firm in 1949 and became a partner in 1953. He led W. G. Eckles Company from 1968 until his 

retirement in 1987. 


21 Watson, 80-81. 

22 Watson, 79-80. 


24 Watson, 82-83. 




Id e n t i f i c at i o n o f t h e 

Historic Ca m p u s 

Di s t r i c t a n d St r u c t u r e s 



Id e n t i f i c at i o n o f t h e Historic Ca m p u s Di s t r i c t a n d 

St r u c t u r e s 

After review of the historic structures and landscapes of the Slippery Rock University Campus, as well 

as the history of the design and construction of these resources, we recommend that the Slippery Rock 

University Campus Historic District be defined as shown on the attached map. 

This area includes ten historic structures constructed by Slippery Rock between 1892 and 1939 and 

the surrounding Campus Plan. The Hickory Schoolhouse moved onto the campus in 1989 is located 

within this area as well as the Miller Auditorium of 1958 and recently constructed Alumni House. 

Re c o m m e n d at i o n f o r Nat i o n a l Re g i s t e r l i s t i n g 

We recommend that Old Main and the West Gym be nominated to the National Register of Historic 

Places. National Register designation will formalize the recognition of these historic resources and 

will assist in future fund raising for these historic buildings. 

Recommended Campus Historic District 

1. Old Main 

2. Rizza Hall 

3. Stoner Instructional Complex / East Gym 

4. Robert A. Lowry Center 

5. McKay Education Building 

6. Stoner Instructional Complex (West Gym) 

7. Strain Behavioral Science Building 

8. North Hall Welcome Center 

9. Maltby Center 

10. President’s Residence 

11. Hickory Corner School House 


Re c o m m e n d at i o n f o r Ca m p u s Pl a n n i n g Pr o c e s s 

The proposed Historic Campus District once had a more powerful architectural presence. A row 

of massive Victorian structures – Old Main, South Hall, the Chapel, North Hall, and the West Gym – 

lined the top of the Hill overlooking Main Street with an expanse of lawn and mature trees stretching 

from the buildings to the street. West Hall, a model school, stood in the foreground, nearest Main 

Street. The next generation of buildings stood in an outer semi-circle to the north and east of the first 

generation of structures. These mid-twentieth-century buildings included the McKay Educational 

Complex, the President’s Residence, Maltby Library, the Strain Science Building and the East Gym. 

The original South Hall has been replaced with a more restrained but substantial structure but 

nothing remains at the original site of the Chapel and North Hall, leaving a large gap in the historic 

“line up” of hill-top structures. 

Today there is not a sufficient continuity of context between the historic structures to recommend 

that the entire area be considered for National Register Listing. However, except for the additions of 

the Miller Auditorium and Alumni Center no new structures have been inserted within the historic 

campus core. 

We recommend that the Slippery Rock Master Plan designate the area shown on the attached 

map as the “Slippery Rock College Heritage Area” and incorporate the following principals. 

• If the Miller Auditorium is determined to be unusable in the future, return the area to open 

space. 

• Designate the sites of the former Chapel and North Hall for new structures of similar scale 

to the buildings that originally stood there. 

• Consider the two sites described above as the only allowable building sites within this 

district. 

• New buildings should respond to the historic setting with masonry, texture, and color. We 

do not suggest they imitate lost buildings but it is important they reestablish the strong line 

of structures surrounding the historic greensward while also relating to the east campus. 

• The stands of mature hardwood trees should be maintained and replaced as they deteriorate 

or die. 


Ge n e r a l 

Re c o m m e n d at i o n s 



Ge n e r a l Re c o m m e n d at i o n s 

The historic buildings of Slippery Rock University have been maintained with alterations and 

additions which have respected the historic character of each building. 

General building recommendations applicable to all of the structures within the historic campus 

district follow. 

Exteriors 

The character of each historic building is defined by the original materials and details of the 

structure. These include the roof covering, cornice details, exterior brick and stone, windows, doors, 

porches, railings and other exterior elements. Slippery Rock University has a history of maintaining 

these elements. 

We recommend continuation of building 

exterior preservation practices with special 

attention to the following: 

Roof coverings: When a roof covering 

must be replaced, use a new covering 

to match the historic one. Most roofs at 

Slippery Rock University were slate. This 

material, if installed using copper or terne 

coated stainless steel flashing, is an 80 to 

100 year system, which has the advantage 

of having the lowest life cycle cost of 

all available options as well as being 

historically consistent with the original 

roof. 

Cornices and exterior woodwork: 

Most cornices and exterior woodwork at 

Slippery Rock University are wood. At 

the time the buildings were constructed, 

high-quality old growth lumber was 

used for exterior wood trim. This is a 

very long-lasting material and, if the 

current program of continued repair and 

repainting is maintained, it will not require 

replacement except in areas of extreme 

exposure. For areas of extreme exposure, 

use of cementitious and polycarbon-based 

synthetic replacement materials, detailed to 

match the original, is recommended. 

Slate roof covering 

Exterior woodwork 

Windows: Double-hung wood and high 

quality steel casement windows are a 

character defining feature of the buildings 

of the Slippery Rock University Historic 

Campus. Where windows are in fair 

condition and not subject to constant 

operation, retention of historic windows is 

preferable. Interior storm windows can be 

added in areas where heat loss or occupant 

comfort is a major concern. 

Where windows must be replaced, a range 

of competing manufacturers should be 

Double hung windows 


solicited to assure that the best matching 

design is provided. Depending on the 

specific details of a given window, different 

manufacturers will provide a better match. 

Masonry: The proper cleaning and repointing 

of historic brick and stone is now 

well known in the construction industry 

and is detailed in Preservation Brief # by 

the National Park Service (available at 

http://www.phlf.org/news/faq/). These 

standards should be followed for all future 

masonry restoration. 

Entrances and Corridors: Each historic 

structure has an entrance foyer, lobby, and 

central corridor system which together 

are the organizing design elements of 

the building. These design elements 

are further articulated with decorative 

architectural details. The details include Old Main 

floor surfaces, base boards, wainscoting, 

doors and door trim, ceiling mouldings, 

and historic lighting fixtures. These details 

are typically most distinctive at the entry level but may exist throughout a building such as 

at Old Main and the West Gym. 

We recommend that these materials and details be maintained and restored in all of the structures. 

The specific areas are more fully defined within each individual building recommendation. 

Significant Interior Spaces 

The historic buildings of Slippery Rock University include a number of interior spaces of 

exceptional quality. We recommend that the following interiors be preserved and/or restored as part 

of the Campus Preservation Plan. 

Old Main 

• Public corridors. 

• Possibly historic second-floor library space. 

West Gym 

• Public corridors. 

• Second-floor conference room. 

• Gymnasium. 

North Hall 

• Entry Foyer. 

• Fireside Lounge. 

• University Room. 

Maltby Hall 

• Reading rooms. 


La n d s c a p e, Ha r d s c a p e, Si t e Li g h t i n g 

The general plans from the University archives list no specific plants or planting compositions or 

designs. Despite the lack of historic plans, future plantings should reflect the historic period when 

the buildings were erected, to enhance the historic character of the Historic Heritage District of 

Slippery Rock University. We have included suggestions that are typical for historic areas in other 

regional colleges and universities. We also recommend preservation of the planting and landcaped 

areas from all future development, and we recommend that campus growth remain outside of 

this designated Heritage District. In addition, we have also offered recommendations on campus 

lighting. 

Hardscape: In the Heritage Area, where hardscape is deteriorating, consider replacement with 

natural materials such as flagstone, bluestone or using exposed aggregate concrete, tumbled redbrick 

or cobblestone. 

Vehicle Intrusion: Maintenance vehicles and automobiles seem to be the enemy of the lawn and 

planting areas in some places. Consider installing bollards with swag chains and cobblestone edging 

to mitigate tire damage. 

Trees, Plantings, and Other Landscape Conditions 

• Many plantings and trees appear neglected. It is recommended that a maintenance program 

that includes proper fertilizing and pruning be implemented either by the grounds crew or by a 

professional company or consultant. 

• Remove dead wood from trees and thin remaining limbs. Do not “top” trees. This practice is 

considered detrimental to the natural growth and health of the tree, promoting “water sprouts” 

which weaken the structural integrity of the tree and otherwise ruin the natural canopy of the 

tree. Many diseases and insects are common in the region including red spider mites, canker, gall, 

spruce gall, anthracnose, leaf miners and adelgids. 

• A maintenance routine of deep-root fertilizing and pruning of the historic trees should be considered 

every 2-3 years and a dormant oil application considered yearly in early spring. A follow-up program 

of summer insecticide and/or fungicide spray application should be instituted. Apply mulch around 

bases of trees at a maximum depth of 2 inches. 

• Begin a tree replanting program anticipating the continued loss of existing mature trees. It is 

recommended that a mix of hybrid native and heirloom species such as “Winter King” hawthorn, 

Japanese tree lilac, hickory, Kousa dogwood, redbud, ponderosa pine and black gum, or other 

plants / trees listed on the Heirloom Plant Suggestion list (see page 24) be used. 

• In areas where drainage is problematic consider planting water-tolerant trees and shrubs such as 

willow, black gum, bald cypress and winterberry holly. 

• It is recommended that quality plant 

stock be purchased from a reputable 

local nursery or wholesale source. In 

cases where planting work is being 

subcontracted, inspect all plants 

thoroughly and request a 1-year 

guarantee. 

• The majority of plantings are overly 

manicured and improperly pruned. The 

manicured condition of yews requires 

intensive and repeated maintenance. It 

is recommended that they be replaced 

with a compact and low-maintenance 

Wind damaged and dead branches should be trimmed 

without topping trees. 


evergreen such as dwarf chamecyparis 

or other shrubs listed on the Heirloom 

Plant Suggestion list. It is recommended 

that shearing of shrubs be discontinued. 

Instead hand pruning and thinning 

should be utilized to retain natural shape. 

• In areas where the planting conditions 

are hot, dry and windy, the installation of 

irrigation systems is recommended. 

• Consider a mix of hybrid native and 

heirloom species that are reminiscent of 

earlier historic campus plantings such as 

deciduous holly, mockorange, weigela, 

itea, clethra, calycanthus, hydrangea, 

beautyberry, red dogwood and shrub 

buckeye. Consider replanting entire 

foundation beds in keeping with the 

historical character. 

Example of a Yew shrub that has been over-manicured 

into a “gum ball,” an unnatural shape for this plant. 

• All lawns should be cut no shorter 

than thee inches, to reduce the need to 

irrigate, and to promote a healthy and 

disease free lawn. 

Historic District Heirloom 

Plant Suggestions 

Example of a Yew allowed to grow unencumbered in its 

natural shape. Prune, don’t shear. 

Shrubs: 

• Flowering almond (Prunus glandulosa) 

• Arrow-wood viburnum (Viburnum 

dentatum) 

• Bayberry (Myrica pennsylvanica) 

• Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia) 

• Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia) 

• Currant (Ribies alpinum) 

• Deutzia (Deutzia gracilis) 

• Red-stemmed dogwood (Cornus 

stolonifera) 

• Hydrangea –shrub and upright form 

(Hydrangea paniculata and H. 

grandiflora) 

• Kerria (Kerria japonica) 

• Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) 

• Mockorange (Philadelphus coronarius) 

• Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) 

• Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) 

• Pearlbush (Exochorda racemosa) 

• Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria) 

• Snowberry (Symphoricarpos alba) 

• Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) 

• Spirea – Japanese and cascading (Spirea 

thunbergii and S. VanHouetti) 

• Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus) 

• Sumac –smooth and cutleaf (Rhus glabra 

and R. typhina) 

• Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) 

Example of the refreshing blossoms of the Redbud 

(Cercis canadensis). 


Trees: 

• American beech (Fagus grandiflora) 

• Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) 

• Cherry (Prunus subhirtella) 

• Chestnut (horse) (Aesculus 

hippocastanum) 

• Cornelian cherry dogwood (Cornus mas) 

• Crabapple (Malus ‘Sugartyme’; Malus 

‘Donald Wyman’) *disease resistant 

• Hawthorn –English and Washington 

(Crataegus laevigata and C. 

phaenopyrum) 

• Linden –Littleleaf and American (Tilia 

cordata and T. americana) 

• Magnolia –Cucumber and Sweetbay 

(Magnolia acuminata and M. virginiana) 

• Maple-Japanese and Red (Acer 

palmatum and A. rubrum) 

• Oak –English and Willow (Quercus 

robur and Q. phellos) 

• Plane tree –London (Platanus x 

acerifolia) 

• Pagoda tree ( Sophora japonica) 

• Rain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) 

• Redbud (Cercis canadensis) 

• Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis 

and A. laevis) 

• Sorrel tree (Oxydendron arboreum) 

• Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) 

• Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) 

• Tupelo (blackgum) (Nyssa sylvatica) 

• Walnut (Juglans nigra) 

• Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentuckea) 

Example of the Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) 

Example of the color of the Serviceberry (Amelanchier 

canadensis) 

Example of the stately Tupelo (blackgum) 

(Nyssa sylvatica). 

Example of the airy Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) 


Lighting 

The campus should replace lighting 

fixtures within the historic campus with 

nineteenth century or early twentieth 

century inspired fixtures. 

Limit or hide light sources that shine into 

eyes, or that obscure the view of a building 

by installing fixtures that are either 

shielded or that are hidden tastefully within 

the architectural fabric of the University. 

While not specifically a preservation 

activity, Slippery Rock should consider 

designing lighting for the significant 

buildings and architectural details such as 

cupolas, arches, clock towers, roof lines, 

landscapes, statues, stained glass, etc. 

Artistic lighting of the Campus Heritage 

District will showcase the uniqueness 

of the campus, while simultaneously 

creating a warm and inviting visual field 

for students and staff walking through the 

campus at night. Reduction of direct– 

walk lighting adjacent to the buildings, 

i.e. pole and spot lighting, may be 

eliminated, mitigating increases in energy 

consumption. 

Lighting of the Campus Heritage District 

can be addressed within the educational 

programming by considering a design 

challenge for the students. The challenge 

could include the use of alternative energy 

sources, such as wind, solar or other 

green, experimental, or research-related 

power generating sources and could 

consider advantageous placement of the 

generating source in terms of obtaining 

the most energy possible while being 

as inconspicuous as possible. State and 

federal funding programs or tax credits 

may exist to offset renewable and green 

energy initiatives. 

Archival Resources 

The upper spire has been lighted in a cool metal halide 

lamp while the lower building is lighted in a warm high 

pressure sodium vapor light 

Up-lighting with high pressure sodium lamps. The 

Landmarks Building at Station Square, the former 

Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad terminal. 

Solar power generation, an alternative green and 

renewable energy resource that can be included in 

lighting historic resources. 

The Facilities Department has original 

drawings of all of the historic buildings except Old Main, West Gym, and West Hall. It has 

renovation drawings for these three buildings which in many cases identify historic elements 

in the existing conditions or demolition set. The Eckles Company has original drawings of all 

buildings designed by them in their New Castle archives. The Butler Library Archives has historic 

photographs of the historic buildings and historic campus views. 

These archival resources should be consulted when future repairs and rehabilitation projects are 

planned within the Slippery Rock Historic District. 


In d i v i d u a l 

Re c o m m e n d at i o n s 



Ea s t Gy m (Pe a r l K. St o n e r In s t r u c t i o n a l Co m p l e x) 

The East Gym of 1930 is a major addition 

to the original Gymnasium Building of 

1902. The building includes a lap pool 

in the section which links the main east 

gymnasium to the original gym. 

Long –Term Recommendation 

Restore the historic entry including the 

cut limestone surround and multi-paned 

entry doors. This detail was the chief 

architectural flourish of East Gym and is 

illustrated in the historic photo on page 55. 

View of East Gym 

Detail of Entry 


Drawing, East Gymnasium 


Ro b e rt A. Lo w r y Ce n t e r 

Originally constructed in 1928 in a 

simplified cottage style as the private 

residence of Professor Howard Headland, 

this house was later acquired by Slippery 

Rock and used for a variety of college 

administrative offices. The building retains 

most of its original detailing from its 

original construction as a residence. 

Long –Term 

Recommendations 

Front View 

Exterior: Restore steel windows. Install 

new dimensional shingle or composite 

slate roof. Repair and repaint exposed 

rafters and boarded soffits. 

Interior: Retain historic woodwork at 

doors, windows and stairs. If renovations 

are made, retain general interior character 

of the rooms. 

Site: The site would benefit from more 

open landscaping. The large evergreens 

should be removed from the areas 

Cornice detail 

immediately adjoining the house and 

replaced with lower, more open plantings. 

The site and the adjoining President’s House site should be considered together in 

future landscape planning. 

Drawings of the Robert A. Lowry Center 



Ma lt b y Ce n t e r 

Maltby Hall was originally constructed as the library in 1939. It was expanded in 1960 and 

converted to office use in 1971. This study focuses on the original historic section of the 

building which retains its central foyer and two reading-room spaces, now adapted for other 

uses. 

Long –Term Recommendations 

Exterior:. Continue program of exterior 

maintenance and preservation of roof, exterior 

woodwork, windows, doors, and masonry. 

Interior: Continue respectful reuse of vestibule, 

foyer, and reading room spaces. Consider restoring 

the space adjoining the foyer to be more in keeping 

with its original design. 

Entry facade 

Foyer ceiling detail 

Former reading room 

Exterior detail 

Entry vestibule 


Drawing of Maltby Center 


McKay Ed u c at i o n Bu i l d i n g 

The McKay Education Center was constructed in 1929 to serve both as the Borough of 

Slippery Rock’s School and as a training facility for Slippery Rock College. An addition 

was constructed on the west side in 1938. Today the building houses Slippery Rock 

University’s College of Education. The building is in good condition. 

Long – Term 


Windows: The windows have been 

replaced with translucent panels. When 

the next window replacement program 

is scheduled consider installing replicas 

of the original multi-paned clear glass 

windows. Window technology has 

improved since the 1970s when these 

translucent panels were likely installed so 

that windows which match the originals 

can be installed which will also have 

excellent thermal and light control 

characteristics. 

Entry facade 

Ornamental Stone: The entrances and 

parapets of McKay contain decorative 

panels of ornamental stone. The weather 

facing (top) joints should be kept in good 

repair to prevent water infiltration and 

the stone should be periodically cleaned 

with a mild detergent and moderate water 

pressure wash. 

Ornamental Railings: Three sections 

of ornamental railings are installed at the 

three windows above the main entrance. 

These should be thoroughly cleaned and 

repainted. 

Entry vestibule 

Interior: The interior renovations to date 

have maintained historic doors, transoms, 

sidelights and oak trim. These elements 

should be retained in future renovations. 

Typical Corridor Doors 


Drawing of McKay Education Building 


No r t h Ha l l 

North Hall, constructed in 1938 as a 

Women’s Dormitory, is the college’s oldest 

residence hall. In addition to providing 

dormitory space, the first floor contains 

principal social and dining spaces including 

the Fireside Lounge, the University Room, 

and the Pennsylvania Room. 

North Hall is important because of its 

location in a prominent position adjoining 

Old Main and because its first–floor 

public spaces contain a high degree of 

architectural design and detail which 

have remained intact from their original 

construction. 

Front facade 

Long – Term 


Exterior: Continue program of exterior 

preservation and maintenance. 

Interior Finishes: When repainting is 

required at the interior public rooms, 

consider repainting using the historic 

colors on ceilings, walls, mouldings, and 

woodwork. 

Main stair windows: The main stair 

window is currently glass block. Consider 

restoring the window to its original 

appearance based on the original drawings. 

University Room 

Fireside Lounge 

Stair newel detail 

Foyer 


Courtyard View 

Drawing of North Hall 


Ol d Ma i n 

Old Main is the oldest building on the 

Slippery Rock University campus and is 

the most significant architectural structure. 

Constructed in 1892 to designs by the wellknown 

New-Castle-based architect, Sidney 

Foulk, the structure originally housed 

classrooms as well as offices on the first 

floor, the library on the second floor, and 

the gymnasium on the third floor. 

At the end of the nineteenth century 

four magnificent monumental Victorian 

structures lined the crest of the hill 

overlooking Main Street and provided all 

of the built facilities for Slippery Rock 

College; of these only Old Main still 

stands today. Old Main currently houses 

administrative offices. 

Main Facade 

Long – Term 


Exterior: The exterior has been 

maintained with a new composite slate 

roof and ongoing repairs to the tower and 

masonry. In the long term we recommend 

that the masonry be cleaned and re-pointed 

following the National Park Service 

Guidelines (available at 

http://www.phlf.org/news/faq/) and the 

windows be restored to their original 

pattern, detail, and configuration. Early 

photographs illustrate a saw tooth detail on 

the transom bars of the exterior windows 

that has been covered over. This will 

Old Main 

require uncovering of the historic frames 

and creation of interior bulkheads at the 

lowered ceilings so the window sash and glazing can be restored to their full height. 

Interior: We were unable to locate historic drawings of the second-floor library 

space but historic photos are included in the history section of this report. The library 

space possessed significant architectural 

character and detail, now obscured, behind 

newer dropped ceilings and partition walls. 

If future programming determines a need 

for a large public space in this section 

of the campus, explorations should be 

made to determine the original nature and 

extent of the library space to see if it is a 

candidate for such a restoration and reuse. 

Main corridors: The historic woodwork, 

wainscoting, staircases, and doors have 

been retained in the main corridors. In the 

future consider restoring the ceilings to 

their original heights along with associated 

mouldings, trim, and lighting. 

Entry detail 


Main stair 

North stair 

Main hall 

Drawiing of Old Main 


Pr e s i d e n t’s Re s i d e n c e 

The President’s Residence was designed by W. G. 

Eckles Company and built in 1939 in the Colonial 

Revival style. It is a classic, center-stair-hall design 

with a living room and den on the right side of the 

hall and a dining room on the left. In 2003 the 

dining room was enlarged to include the entire left 

side of the original house, and a major addition was 

constructed to the north to accommodate a kitchen, 

garages, and storage areas. 

Long – Term Recommendation 

The building has recently undergone major 

restoration and additions. The future requires only 

continued care of the historic details including 

woodwork, mantles and hardware. 

Main facade 

South facade 

Living room mantle 

Den mantle 


Center hall 

Drawing of President’s House 


St r a i n Sc i e n c e Bu i l d i n g 

The Strain Science Building was 

constructed in 1938 to house the physical 

and chemical science departments. 

Similar in style to the McKay Educational 

Building, Strain has high-quality finishes 

in the corridors with terrazzo floors and 

glazed-tile wainscoting. 

Long Term Recommendations 

Exterior: Clean and repaint lintels. Clean 

and repoint exterior masonry. 

Interior: When additional renovations 

are required, consider returning ceilings to 

original heights and installing a lighting 

system that complements the high level of 

finish within the corridors and stairwells. 

Strain Science Building 

Entry detail 

Stair detail 

Door detail 


Drawing of Strain Science Building 


Pe a r l K. St o n e r In s t r u c t i o n a l Co m p l e x (We s t Gy m n a s i u m) 

The West Gym is one of Slippery Rock’s National 

Register eligible structures. Designed by Sidney 

Foulk, the building sports two bold stone porches on 

the exterior and houses a variety of interior functions 

in addition to the gymnasium. The West Gym and 

Old Main anchor the ends of the original row of 

historic structures which lined the top of the hill 

overlooking Main Street 

Long – Term Recommendations 

Exterior: The cornice, soffit, and west-porch ceiling 

have been covered in aluminum. In the long term 

this should be removed and the original elements 

should be restored. 

View of West Gym 

Turret: Historic photographs show either decorative panels or windows in the center 

raised turreted roof. Plan for restoration of this item in the future. 

Interior: The building has recently been restored 

on the interior. Future repairs and rehabilitation 

programs should continue the program of retention 

and restoration of historic interior spaces and 

details. It is likely that the center-second floor room 

originally included a more elaborate ceiling open to 

the turreted roof above. 

First-floor foyer 

Detail of main porch 

Mosaic of main entry 

West porch 


Detail of historic door soffit 

Gymnasium space 

Drawing of the Stoner Instructional Complex (West Gym) 


Dr s. Pa u l a n d Ca r o ly n Ca r r u t h Ri z z a Ha l l (We s t Ha l l) 

West Hall, designed by Frank Foulk, was 

constructed as a Model School Building 

in 1902 and was completely restored in 

2003. 

Long – Term 


Continue program of maintenance of 

exterior brick, stone, and woodwork. 

Historic front view 

Modern day front 

Atrium 


Atrium detail 

Drawing of the Stoner Instructional Complex (West Gymnasium) 


Hi c k o r y Sc h o o l h o u s e 

The Hickory Schoolhouse is an excellent 

example of the once ubiquitous frame oneroom 

schoolhouse which stood throughout 

the region as well as most of rural America. 

This building was built in nearby Franklin 

Township around 1860 and moved to the 

Slippery Rock Campus in 1998. 

Long – Term 

Recommendation 

Exterior. This wooden structure will 

require ongoing care of the exterior wood 

siding and trim. 

Front view 

Rear view 



In d i v i d u a l Histories, 

Su rv e y s, a n d 

Im m e d i a t e Ma i n t e n a n c e Issues 



Ch r o n o l o g y o f Co n s t r u c t i o n o f t h e Historic Ca m p u s 

Existing Buildings 

1891 Old Main 

1902 West Hall (now Rizza Hall) 

1906 West Gym (now Stoner West) 

1928 Lowry Center 

1929 McKay Education Center, Addition 1938 

1930 East Gym (now Stoner East) 

1938 Strain Science Building 

1938 North Hall 

1939 Maltby Library, Addition 1959 

1939 President’s Residence 

Moved Buildings 

1860 Hickory Schoolhouse, moved onto campus 1988 

Demolished Buildings 

1889 Original South Hall, burned 1895 

1889 Original Chapel, burned 1896 

1889 Original North Hall, burned 1937 

1896 South Hall, demolished 1962 

1897 Chapel, demolished 1971 

1930 The Hut, Art Building constructed on the site, 1969 



Hi s t o r y o f Ca m p u s Si t e 

1888 Purchase of original ten acre-site. 

c.1894 Additional land purchased along Main Street. “Long Walk” first constructed of 

planks, later rebuilt in cement. 

1906 The “Sidney Foulk” campus is established with the construction of West Gym. In a 

broad irregular arc, West Hall, Old Main, North Hall, the Chapel, South Hall, and the 

West Gym surround the large greensward with the Long Walk and its accompanying 

access drive running from Main Street to the Chapel. 

1930 Building program included the Training School (now McKay) and the East Gym. 

1938 Plans publicly announced for five new buildings: North Hall, a Science Building 

(now Strain), the President’s Residence, a Library (now Maltby), and an addition to 

the Training School (now McKay). 

A drawing of the ”Foulk” Campus as it would have appeared from 1906 until the East Gym and the Training 

School were added to the periphery in 1930. 

1942 aerial view of campus showing most buildings in this study except the President’s house, Lowry, and 

McKay, off to the left of the photo, and the Model School at the lower left. 


A panoramic photograph of the campus sometime after the construction of the West Gym in 1906. 

1912 view of campus showing Old Main and 

North Hall 

A mid-20th century view of the “Long Walk” 


Gy m n a s i u m s – St o n e r Ed u c at i o n Co m p l e x 

Building Survey, Existing Historic Materials and Details 

History of Design and 

Alterations 

Designer of West Gym – Sidney W. Foulk 

Designer of East Gym – W. G. Eckles. 

1906 West Gym opened. 

1930 East Gym opened. Original 

drawings by W. G. Eckles dated 

9/16/1929. 

1982 Restoration Work – L. D. Astorino 

& Associates 

1988 Renovations – Bureau of 

Engineering & Construction 

1919 view of West Gym. Note details at 

cornices and central turret, now lost. 

1998 Renovations – Foreman Architects & Engineers. 

Existing Historic Materials and Details 

Roof 

• Dark grey asphalt shingles on sloped 

roofs. Good condition. 

• Box gutters and soffit and fascia clad in 

aluminum. 

• Flat roofs not visible. 

Masonry 

• Tan/orange running-bond brick in good 

condition. 

Windows 

• 1/1 double-hung aluminum replacement 

windows. 

• False muntons added in windows at East 

Gym. 

Cornices 

• Aluminum clad soffit and fascia at west 

gym. 

• Modest wood cornice with aluminum K gutter atop at East Gym. 

Early view of East Gym showing original stone 

entry. 

Entry Porches 

• West Gym porch reconstructed 2005. 

• West Gym entry porch is a large half-round, stone porch under a second-floor central room. 

Exterior Doors 

• Modern single-glazed opening over single panel hollow metal door at West Gym. 

• Modern aluminum and glass-entry system at East Gym. 


Other Exterior Features 

• Large elliptical topped windows in gable ends of East Gym. 

• Stone cornice and fascia belt course at second-floor level of West Gym. 

• Large columned porch on west side of West Gym. 

Entry Foyers 

• East Gym entry foyer has terrazzo floor and steps, and orange brick wainscoting. 

• See West Gym entry hall. 

Principal Rooms 

West Gym 

• Beaded board wainscoting at main level and former track level. Dentil trim and large cove at 

ceiling. Two ceiling openings for former skylights or ventilation. Running track removed. 

West Gym Entry Hall 

• The space appears to retain its original configuration and some of its original woodwork, notably 

the paneled soffits of entry doors to the central office. Other woodwork is a modern copy of early 

styles. Ceiling and flooring dates from recent renovations. 

West Gym Second Floor Hall 

• This space is similar to the first-floor entry hall. 

Interior Doors 

• All doors in West Gym are modern 2-panel wood doors. 

Interior Woodwork 

• West Gym is a mix of historic woodwork and new woodwork modeled after the historic. 

Building Code Issues with Historic Preservation Implications 

Exit Stairs 

• Provided to code. 

Fire Ratings at Open Floors 

• N/A 

Accessibility Code Issues with Historic Preservation Implications 

Areas of Refuge 

• Yes. 

Elevators 

• Yes. 

Entry Steps 

• Historic entries have steps but an accessible entry is provided to the West Gym and one is being 

constructed during the preparation of this report to the East Gym. 

Public Restrooms 

• Accessible. 


Recommendations for Maintenance for Years 1 Through 3 

• Repaint structural steel above portico columns. 

Remove extraneous cable clamps from masonry. 

Repair stone columns, bases, and capitals as needed. 

Run downspouts to rain leader system. 

Repair stone around penetrations. 

Prune tree branches back slightly, to allow better lighting 

for sidewalk. 

Re-set level, and caulk,, the stone stairs to entrances. 


Examine roof, downspouts, and capstones for leakage 

that may possibly be causing masonry issues. 

Repair concrete stairs. 

Repair masonry as needed to match existing 

Consider extending handrails to full distance of stairs. 

Re-caulk glass block around windows as needed. 

Repair and seal windowsills as needed. 

Clean and re-paint steel window lintels as needed. 


Hi c k o r y Sc h o o l h o u s e 

History of Design and Alterations 

Vernacular 

1860 Approximate date of construction 

in Franklin Township. 

1963 Last use as a schoolhouse. 

1989 Building given to Slippery Rock 

University. Moved to a site on the 

Slippery Rock University campus 

north of the East Gym. 

1998 Building moved to present site on 

Slippery Rock University campus. 

Building sits on a new foundation. 

Existing Historic Materials 

and Details 

Front vew 

Roof 

• Variegated slate in fair condition. 

• Slate on extension has a scalloped edge. 

• Half round galvanized gutter in fair condition. 

Masonry 

• Wood siding in fair condition. 

• Building sits on a brick foundation constructed in 1998 when the structure was moved to this site. 

Windows 

• 2/2 double-hung wood windows in fair condition. 

• Window surrounds have incised decorative patterns. 

Cornices 

• Simple boxed wood cornice with edge board at face of gable end. 

Entry Porches 

• Modest wood entry vestibule at west end. 


• Horizontally paneled wood doors in fair-to-good condition. 


• Bell cupola at west end. 

Entry Foyers 

• None. 


• This “one-room schoolhouse” has a single room with ceiling and walls made of painted boards. 


• None 



• All interior woodwork is made of rectangular cut trim, painted. In addition to trim at baseboard, 

windows, and doors, the trim boards have been used at the traditional location of a ceiling cornice. 


Exit Stairs 

• N/A 


• N/A 


Elevators 

• N/A 

Entry Steps 

• None at east entry. 

• Building is accessible. 

Steps within Historic Spaces 

• N/A 


• N/A 


Repair wood exterior siding as needed to match 

original. 

Repair entry stairs and landing to match original. 

Repaint bell tower. 

Replace gutters and downspouts to match original. 


Lo w r y Ho u s e 


Designer unknown. 

1928: Building constructed as a private residence by Professor Howard Headland. 

Unknown: Building purchased by the College. 

1998: Building dedicated in honor of Dr. Robert Lowry. 


Roof 

• Grey asphalt shingles 

• Shingles appear to be over twenty years old 

• Hanging aluminum K gutters in poor condition 

Masonry 

• Brown brick, striated finish with buff mortar in good condition 

• Brick lintels and sills 

Windows 

• Steel multi-paned casement windows 

• Lower frames are rusting 

• Extensive paint and glazing compound build-up 

Early view of Lowry House 


Cornices 

• Simple “stick style” cornices with exposed rafters and boarded soffits 

• Peeling paint 

• Deterioration at areas where gutters have leaked 

Entry Porches 

• Central gable-roofed front-entry porch 

• Two brick pillars 

• Beaded board ceiling 


• Main door has new door but original wood multi-paned sidelights. 

• Side and rear doors are original wood doors with glass panes over horizontal panels. 


• Simple gable-roofed detached garage appears to be contemporaneous with the house. 

• Gable end masonry matches house. 

• Rock-faced concrete block is used on the other three elevations. 

Entry Foyers 

• Entry hall 


• First floor right room 


• Interior doors are original 


• Interior woodwork is original 


Exit Stairs 

• N/A. 


• N/A. 



• N/A. 

Elevators 

• N/A. 


• Original central open stair. 


• Not accessible. 


Recommendations for Maintenance for years 1 through 3 

Consider a more traditional light fixture for the front 

entry when possible. 

Scrape, prime, and repaint the soffit, fascia, and doors. 

Consider a handrail at front entrance 

Repair, scrape, prime, and repaint the garage door. 

Scrape, prime, and repaint the casement windows. 

Clean and repaint the window lintels 



Ma lt b y Ha l l 



Designed by W. G. Eckles Company. 

1939: Opened. Original drawings 

dated 8/16/37. The building was 

designed as a library with the 

main reading room and reference 

room flanking the central 

entrance. The building was 

originally named Maltby Library. 

1959: One-story addition. Schmitt & 

Lynott Associates. 

1971: Building converted to office use. 

Interior of Maltby Library 

1972: Air conditioning upgrades. 

R. Bruce Miller 

2005: Exterior renovations. 4-Most Group. 


Roof 

• Composite slate roof in good condition. 

• Partially built in aluminum “K” gutter in good condition. 

• Flat roof at center rear section. 

Masonry 

• Flemish bond brick in good condition. 

• Stone window sills. 

Windows 

• Multi-paned aluminum double-hung aluminum replacement windows. 

Cornices 

• Painted wood cornice in good condition. 

• Historic section has a more elaborate cornice with dentil moulding. 

Entry Porches 

• Main entry is a transom and sidelight entry door surrounded by decorative fluted pilasters on the 

side, and a classical broken pediment above. 

• 4 Steps and an open landing lead to the entrance. 


• Modern aluminum entry doors. 


• Painted wood cupola with metal roof. 

• Multiple oculus windows or vents in gable ends. 

• Decorative stone panels in north and south gable ends. 


Entry Foyers 

• Terrazzo floor with 4 steps to an upper landing. 

• Stained paneled wainscoting. 

• Stained wood trim and plaster crown moulding. 

• Historic paneled doors. 

• Inner set of multi-paned historic wood doors with transom. 


Entry Space 

• Decorative woodwork at ceiling 

• Medallions at upper walls 

• Simple column caps 

Art Gallery 

• Built-in book cases along the walls of the room and decorative band moulding even with the top of 

the windows remains from the original room. 

Career Services Office 

• This room retains the same original details as the Art Gallery space. 


• Except for the inner set of main vestibule doors, all doors are from later renovations. 


• The woodwork in the main entry vestibule, entry foyer, gallery, and Career Services office is 

original. 


Exit Stairs 

All exit stairs are within the 1959 addition 


N/A 



N/A 

Elevators 

N/A 

Entry Steps 

Accessible entry to main level provided 

at south entry. 


Entry foyer contains 5 terrazzo steps. 

Repair stone sills as needed to match original 



Accessible on main level. 

Recommendations for Maintenance 

for Years 1 through 3 

Consider adding appropriate plantings around the 

gas meter and HVAC equipment in order to mask 

presence near the building. 

Consider installing steel pipe chase through masonry for 

penetrations to avoid the possible damage to masonry 

joints and brick 

Re-point as needed to match existing mortar joints 

When necessary to replace the roof step flashing, consider 

using copper in lieu of aluminum coil stock 

Repair buldge in brick cheek wall of the basement 

access 

Clean and repaint the door lintel 

Repair capstone as needed to match original and reattach 

the handrail at the proper height 

Use more compatible products when repairing stone 

stairs 



McKay Ed u c at i o n Bu i l d i n g 




1929: Opened. The building was designed as both a community school for Slippery Rock 

and for college use. 

1937: West wing addition – W. G. Eckles Company, Architects. 

1977: Repairs - Bureau of Engineering and Architecture. 

1994: Mechanical and electrical upgrades – Caplan Engineering. BHKR Architects. 


Roof 

• Flat roof is inaccessible. 

Masonry 

• Running-bond brick is in good condition, 

• Limestone trim at parapet, base, lintels, and sills. 

• Ornamental stone surrounds at entry doors. 

• Some rusting at steel lintels and minor popping at stone lintels. 

Windows 

• Anodized aluminum frames with fixed Kal-wall panels above and hopper windows below. 

View of the Training School shortly after completion in 1929 


Cornices 

• None. 

• The building is a flat roof with parapet side walls. 

Entry Porches 

• Single or paired steps lead to a landing at each of 3 front entries. 

• The main front center entry has an accessible ramp to one side. 


• Modern aluminum door assemblies. 


• Ornamental iron at 3 second-floor windows above main entrance is showing signs of significant 

rusting. 

• Lower side entry at 1938 addition. 

Entry Foyers 

• Main Entry. Brick wainscoting. 

• Simple plaster crown moulding. 

• Inner set of historic oak and glass doors and sidelight. 


First and Second Floor Main Front Corridors. 

• Brick wainscoting. 

• Ceiling has been lowered and newer floor covering has been added but original doors and 

woodwork remain. 


• Doors facing principal corridors are largely original paneled wood doors with multi-paned glazing. 


• Woodwork facing principal corridors is largely original stained oak woodwork. 

Building & Accessibility Code Issues with Preservation Implications 

Exit Stairs 

• Yes. 


• N/A 



• Yes. 

Elevators 

• Yes. 

Entry Steps 

• Accessible entries are provided on the south and north. 


• N/A 


• Accessible restrooms are provided. 



Clean masonry around windows and metal grills 

Repair masonry joints as needed to match original color 

and texture 

Repaint wrought iron at second floor of façade 

Clean and repaint window lintels as needed 

Repair concrete walk near ADA ramp 

Check stained glass for possible water infiltration around 

fenestrations. 

Repair spalling in stone foundation 



No r t h Ha l l 

Building Survey, Existing 

Historic Materials and Details 


Alterations 


1938: Opened. Original drawings are 

dated 1/06/1938. 

1950: Kitchen renovations – 

Rust Engineering. 

1961: Sidewalk elevator added – W. G. Eckles Company, Architects. 

1969: Plumbing renovations – Bureau of Engineering and Construction. 

1971: Electrical renovations – Hunter, Heiger, & Associates. 

1984: Alumni Room renovations – Lee Ligo & Associates. 

1995: Heating and plumbing renovations – Clark Wallace, RA. 

2002: Welcome Center Renovations - R3A Architects. 


Roof 

• Composite slate roof in good condition. 

• Built-in gutter appears to be in very good condition. 

Masonry 

• Flemish-bond brick is in good condition. Brick quoins at corners. 

• Limestone belt course at second floor. 

• Limestone window sills. 

• Moulded brick foundation course. 

Windows 

• Multi-paned aluminum double-hung windows are in good condition. 

Cornices 

• Colonial bracketed wood cornice in good condition. 

Entry Porches 

• Main entry is a 3-bay classical 2-story wood-entry portico in good condition. 

• South entry includes a 1-story brick extension with ornamental stone balustrade above the entry 

door and a 1-story flat-roofed porch on two simple round columns. 


• White anodized aluminum entry doors. 


• Bay windows on north and south facade. 

• Multiple oculus windows in gable ends. 

• Ornamental stone panels above windows flanking main entrance. 

• Aluminum clad cupola. 


Entry Foyers 

• Marble floor, wood wainscoting, simple plaster crown moulding at ceiling. 

• Inner set of multi-paned wood vestibule doors. 


Central Lobby 

• Marble floor, painted wood beamed ceiling, paneled-wood wainscoting. 

• Dentiled cornice and pilastered trim on 3 sides of room. 

• Arched surround at door to courtyard. 

• Ornamental iron stair. 

Fireside Lounge 

• Decorative beamed ceiling. 

• Paneled and wainscoted walls, painted. Multicolored quarry-tile floor. 

• Fireplace with classical mantle and marble hearth. 

Presentation Room 

• This room has been modernized but elements of historic wall panels, window trim, and 

wainscoting are still visible. 

South Study Lounge 

• Two-color terrazzo floor 

• Wood wainscoting. Ornamental frieze and crown moulding. 

• Acoustic ceiling panels have been added within beamed areas. 


• Generally original doors at first-floor public spaces. 


• Generally original woodwork at first-floor public spaces. 


Exit Stairs 

• Properly placed and rated. 


• N/A 



• Not required 

• Building is fully sprinklered. 

Elevators 

• None 

Entry Steps 

• Accessible ramps are provided. 


• A lift is provided in the Welcome Center. 

• The main decorative stair has a fire-rated enclosure at the second level. 





for years 1 through 3 

Reconnect downspouts as needed 

Check foundations, surface drainage, lintels, mortar 

joints, or other areas that may cause fractures in exterior 

brick 

Re-point the masonry joints to match original around 

bay window. Clean brick with a mild masonry cleaner to 

remove paint as needed. 

Re-point the masonry band and sills above the first floor 

as needed 

Repair concrete walk near ADA ramp 

Repair stone threshold 

Consider exposing the building’s dated cornerstone so 

that it is more easily noticed. 



Ol d Ma i n 



Designed by Sidney W. Foulk, Architect. 

1893: Opened. The building originally held classrooms on the first floor, a library on the second 

floor, and a gymnasium on the third floor. 

1929: Four clock faces and operating mechanisms installed by H. Clyde McLaine as a gift of the 

class of 1929. 

1936: “The Library ... was still located on the third floor of Old Main.” * 

“The Department of Science... in the cramped basement of Old Main.” * 

1946: West gable wall damaged by tornado. 

1955: Roof replaced – Bureau of Engineering and Construction. 

1971: Fire escape added – Reiling Manufacturing. 

1978: Masonry re-pointed – Bureau of Engineering and Construction. 

1989: Heating and cooling upgrades – Bureau of Engineering and Construction. 

1999: Elevator added – Mavrovic Architects. 

* From “The Legend Behind the Name” 

Old Main in historic postcard. 



Roof 

• Appears to be composite material imitating slate. 

Masonry 

• Common bond brick in good condition. 

• Rock-faced stone lintels. 

• Cut stone sills. 

• Decorative stone at main entrance. 

• Stone or terra-cotta trim at rear gable. 

Student Body 

A view of the second-floor library space at Old Main. This space has now been subdivided. 


Windows 

• Aluminum replacement windows have been installed with blank panels above to accommodate 

interior dropped ceiling. 

Cornices 

• None. 

• A single fascia board edges the brick just below the hanging gutters. 

Entry Porches 

• Main entry porch (south) is deeply recessed with ornamental stone arch and beaded board ceiling. 

• East. Concrete ramp to aluminum entry door within historic opening. 

• West. Newer entry leading to automobile drop off area. 


• Main entrance doors are modern oak paneled and glazed doors designed in a style sympathetic to 

the era of the building. 


• The clock and bell tower dominates the exterior. The clock faces were added around 1995. The 

openings at the bell level are enclosed in wire mesh. The tower is designed in brick with rockfaced 

stone belt courses and opening surrounds. 

Entry Foyers 

• See first-floor lobby. 


First Floor Lobby 

• Original central staircase, wood 

wainscoting, original paneled wood 

doors with transoms. Newer terrazzotile 

floor and ceiling treatments. 

Stair 

• All three stairs retain original newel 

posts, balusters and railings. The west 

stair wood-and-glass enclosure appears 

to date from the mid-20 th century. 


• Many interior doors and associated 

hardware facing the principal corridors 

appear to be original. 

Re-route cables running from basement window up 

the exterior of the building and into the second floor 

window, to an interior chase when possible. Consider 

running cable behind the downspout in the interim. 


• Most of the woodwork facing the 

principal corridors appears to be original. 

Building & Accessibility Code 

Issues with Preservation 

Implications 

Exit Stairs 

• The building has two enclosed exit 

stairs. 

Examine existing aluminum coil stock and / or caulking 

to determine cause of white staining to masonry. 

Resolve this issue and clean as needed. 



• N/A 

Accessibility Code Issues with 

Historic Preservation Implications 


• Provided. 

Elevators 

• An elevator was installed around 1999. 

Entry Steps 

• An accessible ramp is provided at the east 

entry. 

Repair masonry pointing as needed to match original 


• N/A 


• Provided. 


for Years 1 Through 3 

Repair leaking gutter at the northeast side of building 

above the radius of the masonry. 

Check window lintels and repaint as needed 

Remove the extraneous cable clamps from the 

masonry at the northeast side of the building 

Suggest that, when possible, change of the existing 

windows back to their original style and fenestration 

Repair concrete walks as needed 

Caulk, re-glaze, and paint windows and trim as needed 


Pr e s i d e n t s Ho u s e 

Building Survey, Existing 

Historic Materials and Details 


Alterations 


1939: Opened. Original drawings 

dated 8/18/1937. 

1962: HVAC renovations. 

Main Facade 

1984: HVAC renovations. 

1985: Electrical renovations. 

2003: General renovations and additions. R3A Architects. 


Roof 

• Grey asphalt shingle roof in good condition. 

Masonry 

• Flemish bond brick in good condition. 

Windows 

• Modern double-hung aluminum windows with insert multi-paned mullions. 

Cornices 

• Colonial Revival wood cornices with shallow brackets and consoles in good condition. 

Entry Porches 

• Half-round Colonial Revival porch on four columns. 

• Simple cornice and simple iron railing at flat roof. 


• 6 paned Colonial Revival door with sidelights and elliptical transom at main entrance. 

• Multi-paned glass door with transom in Colonial Revival frame at north entry. 


• Exterior chimney on north and south gable walls flanked by quarter round lunette windows at attic 

level. 

• Three simple clapboard dormers on front roof slope. 

• One-story sun porch extension on south side with brick piers and iron railing at flat-roofed parapet 

area. 

• Paneled shutters at main facade windows. 

Entry Foyers 

Entry hall. 


Living 

• Original woodwork. Colonial Revival mantle and marble surround at fireplace. 


Den 

• Extensive paneling and built-in bookcases at fireplace wall. 


• Interior doors are largely original in the 1939 portion of the house. 


• Woodwork is largely original in the 1939 portion of the house. 


Exit Stairs 

• N/A 


• N/A 



• N/A 

Elevators 

• N/A 

Entry Steps 

• Main entry is accessible. 


• Historic stair at Main Hall. 




Completely restored, no noted concerns 


St r a i n Sc i e n c e Bu i l d i n g 




1938: Building opened. Original drawings dated 9/30/1937. 

1976: New heating system – Bureau of Engineering and Architecture. 

1994: MEP renovations – Baker and Associates. 


Roof 

• Flat roof not visible. 

Masonry 

• Flemish-bond red brick in fair condition. Steel lintels are beginning to show signs of rust. 

• Limestone or cast-stone window sills, belt courses, and foundation. Dirt build up in areas. 

Windows 

• Multi paned aluminum replacement windows. 6/6 with transom panels. 

Cornices 

• Limestone cornices/parapet wall caps in fair condition 

Entry Porches 

• Main entry is a concrete landing with steps and ramp approach. Door surround is a classical cast stone 

surround with pilasters, cornice, and broken pediment. “Science Hall” is incised below the cornice. 

An early view of the Science Building 



• Modern aluminum and glass-entry system. 


• N/A 

Entry Foyers 

• Terrazzo floor, glazed-tile wainscoting. 


First-floor hall. 

• Terrazzo floor. 

• Glazed-tile wainscoting. 

• Acoustical ceiling. 

• Flush doors with 4 lights in profiled metal frames. 


• Most appear to be original. 


• Most appear to be original. 


Exit Stairs 

• Two stairs are well placed. 


• N/A 

Accessibility Code Issues 

with Historic Preservation 

Implications 


• Stair landings appear large enough to 

accommodate. 

Elevators 

• Yes. 

Entry Steps 

• Accessible ramp provided. 


• N/A 



Early view 



for Years 1 Through 3 

Scrape, prime and repaint the windows lintels. Replace 

where needed 

Repair concrete cheek-walls and concrete sidewalks as 

needed 

Re-point masonry joints as needed. Match mortar color 

and texture to original 

Re-route relief vent away from stairs to eliminate possible 

slipping 

Repair or replace bricks that have spalled to match 

existing 

Repaint rooftop HVAC equipment to blend with 

surrounding elements of the building 

Re-caulk joints around door and window fenestrations as 

needed 


Consider extending handrail at stairs. Check height 

of rail (above and below) it appears to be lower than 

other railings. Paint iron rails as needed 


Ri z z a Ha l l (f o r m e r ly We s t Ha l l) 



Designed by Frank Foulk. 

1900: Building opened. The building was designed as a “Model School.” 

2003: Building was completely remodeled to house the Modern Languages and International 

Initiatives Departments. 


Roof 

• Composite slate in good condition. 

Masonry 

• Running-bond tan brick with rough-faced stone trim in good condition. 

Windows 

• New aluminum double-hung windows. 

• Specialty aluminum windows at stair landings. 

Cornices 

• Wood “stick style” eaves at gabled sections. 

• Painted wood eaves at center sections. 

Entry Porches 

• Historic main entry on south elevation (now sealed) tile floor, stone steps. 

• Beaded board ceiling. 


• Simple hipped roofs and porches at exit stairs at east and west. 

• Modern entry added at north elevation 2003. 


• Flush aluminum doors at exit stairs. 

• Modern aluminum and glass doors at new north entry. 


• N/A 

Entry Foyers 

• Simple entry has been created at center of north side of first floor. 

• New wood floor. 


Atrium 

• Restored balcony woodwork. 

• New balcony railing. 

• Paneled and beaded board ceiling and multi-paned glass skylight have been restored. Most 

door trim appears original. Doors and floor finishes are new. 


• Modern doors with applied paneling. 


• Most woodwork facing the atrium as well as that which was originally on the exterior walls and is 

easily visible within former classroom areas appears to be original. 


Exit Stairs 

• Yes. 



• Yes. 



• Yes. 

Elevators 

• Yes. 

Entry Steps 

• Accessible entries. 


• N/A 




• This building is in excellent condition, since it was restored both inside and out in 2003. A few 

minor issues are as follows; 

Grout the top of exterior stone stairs 

Replace missing trim around fascia 

Reconnect downspout 

Prime and paint fascia and trim as needed 



Pi t t s b u r g h Hi s t o r y & La n d m a r k s Fo u n d at i o n 

For close to two years, the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation worked 

diligently in the four colleges selected to receive the benefits of The Getty Fund’s 

“Campus Heritage Grants.” 

Allegheny College, Geneva College, Grove City College, and Slippery Rock 

University collaborated with the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation in the 

development of this work that can be used as a road map for conservation of campus 

heritage, historic structures, and landscape. This work will become part of the 

school’s recorded history; how from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century 

architects and landscape designers envisioned the ideal physical environment to 

educate and to promote the enduring values that persist to this day. 

The Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation is honored to be a recipient of The 

Getty Foundation’s “Campus Heritage Grants” and to have worked with these fine 

schools in implementing the Getty’s mandate, and stands ready to continue working 

with the educational institutions should they require our services. 

P Pittsburgh, 

Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation 

100 West Station Square Drive, STE 450 

PA 15219 • 412-471-5808 • www.phlf.org

PRESERVATION PLAN - Society for College and University Planning

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