Was this elegant building always meant for administrative offices? Burrowes Hall might surprise you. The mansion wasn’t originally built for Loyola University. It was constructed in 1916 for Adolf Schmidt, the president of Columbian Colortype.
Burrowes Hall, also known as the “Yellow House”, has quite a history. It earned its nickname from its distinctive bright brick façade during its time as part of Mundelein College. Mundelein acquired the building in 1965. It housed the Center for Religious Education and served as a hub for religious studies, masses, and even student gatherings.
The building has weathered its share of incidents, from falling construction materials crashing through the roof to basement flooding caused by Lake Michigan. Despite these mishaps, Burrowes Hall has remained a vital part of the university campus. After Mundelein College affiliated with Loyola University Chicago, it served as the Alumni Center before its rededication in 2008 as Burrowes Hall. Today, Burrowes Hall stands as a testament to the evolving spirit of education and community. It gracefully houses administrative offices, including those of the president and provost, continuing its legacy within Loyola University.