Regents Complex (1960)

During the late 1940s and early 1950s, officials of the Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa) attempted to meet demand for housing traditional students and those returning from military service. Additions to Lawther Hall and Baker Hall, the renovation of the O. R. Latham Stadium mezzanine level into Stadium Hall, and the new construction of Campbell Hall met the needs of traditional students. Sunset Village and College Courts accommodated married students. By the late 1950s, administrators began preparing for the upcoming enrollment surge caused by the post-World War II baby boom, focusing particularly on housing for men. The college initially built more dormitory facilities for women than men. 

In 1957, Governor Herschel Loveless vetoed funds earmarked by the General Assembly for a new men's dormitory. Two years later, in summer 1959, Assistant to the President Daryl Pendergraft announced dormitory funding had been approved. Initially the new facility would house only 150-200 men, but later additions would house as many as 1,000 men. The tentative location would be the southwest part of campus.

By summer 1960, plans had evolved to include a structure located south of 27th Street near Prexy’s Pond which would house 400 students, organized into eight 50-person units. Construction was underway by general contractor W. A. Klinger Company of Sioux City, Iowa. The budget of $1.3 million, which included both construction and equipment costs, was financed by bonding against future dormitory revenues. The college would save money on architectural design costs by following plans developed for Helser Hall, a dormitory on the Iowa State University campus. The completion date was set for August 1961.

By January 1961, the steel framework for the building was in place and equipment was being purchased. September 1, 1961, was the new target completion date. A utility tunnel from the old Power Plant and under 27th Street to the new dormitory was also under construction. The new building (now Rider Hall) was initially called the New Men’s Dormitory. In summer 1961, the Board of Regents formally named it Regents Hall for Men, to honor all who had served on the state board governing the college. Reference Librarian Mary Dieterich is credited with suggesting the Regents name. 

In April 1964, the Regents approved revenue bonds of $6.25 million to refinance and expand dormitory projects. The Board awarded contracts of over $2 million for the construction of Unit III and the dining facility of the Regents Complex. The John G. Miller Company of Waterloo was the general contractor. Plans called for construction to begin as early as May for the new dormitory, which was intended to house 414 women. The completion date was set for September 1965. Officials hoped Shull Hall, now meant to house 427 men, would be ready for fall 1964.

Construction on Unit III began in May 1964. Work on the hall and dining facility went well. Women looked forward to the completion of the new complex, even though it was perceived to be a long way from central campus. Student Jean Marker was quoted in the College Eye as saying, "So many of the buildings we use are getting old. We need some modern buildings to add sparkle." Others looked forward to being in closer proximity to men. One woman said, "On the other side of the campus, we never even see any guys."

Shull Hall was ready for the 1964 semester and almost 500 residents moved in. Initially, there were plans for two separate dining facilities: one for Rider and Unit III (Hagemann Hall) and a second for Shull Hall and the proposed Unit IV (Noehren Hall). Consequently, Shull Hall was not connected to the dining room by an enclosed walkway. However, plans were adjusted and in January 1965, the Regents approved a $3.05 million budget for the construction of Unit IV, a dormitory to house 700 women, and a dining facility addition. Originally planned for 1,200 residents, the Regents Dining Hall would now accommodate a projected 1900 students living in the complex. 

In March 1965, the Regents approved the naming of Unit III to honor Henry H. Hagemann, president of the Board from 1957 through 1963. Hagemann Hall opened for the fall 1965 semester. The building had five levels, four for residence and one for recreation and service. Each residence floor had a study lounge and two kitchenettes. The 204 double rooms had built-in wardrobes, sinks, and bookcases. The trundle style beds saved valuable floor space in the rooms. Hagemann Hall was dedicated October 10, 1965, during a campus open house featuring other new facilities including Regents Dining Hall, the Administration Building, and the Library.

The Jens Oleson Construction Company of Waterloo received the general contract for Unit IV, with a target completion date of January 1967. In February 1966, the Regents approved naming it in honor of Alfred W. Noehren, who served as president of the Board from 1963 through 1965. Officials hoped at least two-thirds of Noehren Hall would be ready for occupancy by fall 1966.

In March 1966, College Eye feature writer Sherri Fuller wrote about life in the Regents Complex, including comments on the ratio of men to women, food and dining facilities, and lounge areas. In September 1966, an additional ten telephone lines were installed in Hagemann Hall. However, even with this improvement, there was still just one telephone for every 15 residents. Campbell Hall remained the only dormitory with telephones in each room.

Noehren Hall’s composition remained unclear. It was designed for men, women, or a combination; initial plans had it as a women’s dormitory, and later, for men. By spring 1967 women occupied the part of Noehren Hall which had been completed, with the remainder of the building to be completed shortly. Noehren Hall was officially dedicated on October 1, 1967. At that time, 518 men and 206 women were housed in separate units of the hall.