Nicholson Hall

Edward E. Nicholson. A name that once graced this very building, 216 Pillsbury Drive. You might be wondering why it’s not called Nicholson Hall anymore. Well, let’s just say the man had some skeletons in his closet. Built in 1890, 216 Pillsbury Drive initially served as a chemistry laboratory. But in 1914, it underwent a transformation, becoming a hub for the men’s student union. They even modeled it after those swanky gentlemen’s clubs! This lasted until Coffman Memorial Union opened in 1940, and the building was renamed Nicholson Hall after the former Dean of Student Affairs. For decades, it housed various academic departments. However, the university decided to hit the “refresh” button in the early 2000s. Millions of dollars went into restoring its stunning Richardsonian Romanesque exterior and giving the interior a modern makeover. They even added some cool Art Nouveau touches! Today, 216 Pillsbury Drive is a bustling center for learning, but the legacy of its namesake is far more complicated. You see, Edward E. Nicholson wasn’t exactly known for his progressive views. In fact, he was known to hold anti-Semitic beliefs and wasn’t a fan of free speech or student activism. This sparked a movement calling for the removal of his name from the building. Finally, in 2024, the University of Minnesota made the decision to honor that request. So, while we admire the grandeur of 216 Pillsbury Drive, let’s also remember the importance of critical reflection when it comes to honoring figures from the past.