Remember those thrilling high school movies? Old Main once starred as Detroit’s Central High School. Construction started in 1894. The building was made from brick and limestone. This limestone was quarried right in front of it.
Now, let’s step back in time to explore the story of Old Main. It is more than just bricks and mortar. Old Main is a symbol of Detroit’s educational evolution. Imagine the bustling halls filled with students. They were eager to learn and shape their futures.
Old Main stands at 4841 Cass Avenue. It sits in Midtown Detroit. The location is on Wayne State’s main campus.
Originally, this building was Detroit’s Central High School. The school needed a new home. Their previous building in Capitol Park burned down in 1893. Construction took three years. The final cost was $573,345.13. State appropriations and an emergency fund covered most of it.
Classes began in 1896. The building wasn’t even fully complete. Architects Malcomson & Higginbotham designed it. It featured 103 rooms for classrooms, labs, and offices. There was enough space for 2,000 students.
By 1913, Central High offered college courses. Detroit Junior College started operating here in 1917. In 1923, it became the College of the City of Detroit. This was a precursor to Wayne State University.
Central High School moved in 1926. Its new location was at 2425 Tuxedo St. The building was then renamed the Main Building. As the college grew, it became Wayne University in 1934. It later became Wayne State University in 1956. That’s when the building became affectionately known as “Old Main”.
Over the years, modifications and repairs were made. During the 1930s and 1940s, they added new walls and rooms. The clock in the tower was replaced in 1934. A new wing was added along Warren Ave. in 1937.
By the 1980s, Old Main was deteriorating. There were falling ceilings, peeling paint and vandalism. There was also a fire and plumbing failures. The roofs were leaking and maintenance was needed. Wayne State launched a fundraising campaign in 1995. Large-scale renovations began that year. Electrical and mechanical systems were replaced. Much of the building was restored to its original look.
Today, Old Main houses the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. It also accommodates many other classes. The building reflects the university’s history and growth. It stands as a symbol of Wayne State University.
Old Main is part of the Wayne State University Historic District. The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Departments in Old Main include the Planetarium and the Department of Geology. There is also the Museum of Anthropology and the Department of Music. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences resides here too. You’ll also find the College of Fine Performing and Communication Arts.
Think about the countless students who have passed through these doors. They dreamed of changing the world. Old Main stands as a reminder of their aspirations and achievements. Its halls echo with the stories of generations. It represents the enduring power of education and community.