Wulling Hall

In 1892, a grand Renaissance Revival style building arose on the University of Minnesota campus. This was Wulling Hall, though it wasn’t called that initially. It was the first building dedicated to the medical sciences, a testament to the growing university’s commitment to healing and knowledge. Wulling Hall, originally named Medical Hall, was the brainchild of Perry Millard, the Medical School’s first dean. He generously donated $65,000 for its construction. The design, by architect Allen H. Stem, featured rusticated stone, a raised basement, and a prominent portico. For twenty years, Wulling Hall bustled with aspiring doctors, its labs and classrooms shaping the future of medicine. In 1906, the hall was renamed Millard Hall to honor the deceased dean. The Medical School continued to thrive, even establishing the nation’s first university-based School of Nursing. In 1911, the Medical School moved to the newly completed Elliot Memorial Hospital. Millard Hall stood empty, poised for a new chapter. The College of Pharmacy, after years of moving between buildings, was slated to take over. But fate intervened. Two fires in late 1912 and early 1913 gutted the building’s interior. This disaster became an opportunity. The subsequent renovation transformed Wulling Hall into a state-of-the-art facility, perfectly suited for the College of Pharmacy. It included a greenhouse connected to the hall by a tunnel, an innovative feature for the time. Frederick J. Wulling, the College of Pharmacy’s first dean, championed the program’s growth within the newly renovated hall. For nearly fifty years, it was known as the Pharmacy Building. In 1942, it was officially renamed Wulling Hall, recognizing Dean Wulling’s significant contributions. He had established a medicinal plant garden, crucial for research during the World Wars. He also increased the college’s funding and prestige. Wulling Hall served the College of Pharmacy until its relocation to Appleby Hall in 1960. Today, Wulling Hall stands as a testament to its rich history. It’s a reminder of the visionaries who shaped the University of Minnesota, like Millard and Wulling. Now part of the Old Campus Historic District, it houses offices for the College of Education and Human Development, continuing its legacy of learning and growth.