photographs of UNO architectural icons
UNO is deeply rooted in tradition, drawing strength and character from its long and storied history. However, it also embraces advancement, ensuring that it remains adaptable and responsive to the changing needs of its students and society. A visual journey of then and now photos of some of UNO’s most iconic architecture showcases the transformative spirit that has defined its progress over the years. Serving as the fabric of UNO’s campus, the evolution of each of these university landmarks is a testament to the institution’s commitment to advancing excellence and innovation.
ARTS & SCIENCES
Perhaps UNO’s most well-known building, Arts & Sciences Hall (ASH) was the first classroom building built on campus. Completed in 1938, it was originally known as the Science Hall. Until further buildings were constructed, it was home to all classrooms and offices, student publication offices, the library, the bookstore, a cafeteria and an auditorium. It was the first school building in the state of Nebraska to have air conditioning. Still in use today, the building features Georgian-style architecture, prominent pillars and a distinctive cupola.
LEE AND HELENE SAPP FIELDHOUSE
The university constructed the fieldhouse in 1948-50 as its venue for all indoor sports. It originally included a dirt floor, a portable basketball court and indoor track. During the first major renovation, completed in 1971, the university added offices for the physical education and athletic departments in a 9,200-square-foot expansion on the north side of the structure. The project also included the installation of a pro-turf court and track and power-operated bleachers. A second major addition in 1997-98 included the characteristic rotunda at the building’s western entrance, new athletic facilities included weight and wrestling rooms, a new academic resource room for student athletes and a new hall of fame room. Today, the facility holds 3,500 seats and serves as the practice facility for women’s track and field and the hosting venue for women’s volleyball.
MILO BAIL STUDENT CENTER
The Milo Bail Student Center (MBSC) was built in 1957 as the Omaha University Student Center and renamed in 1964 in honor of former university president Milo Bail. In 1970, a three-story addition expanded the building. A second addition was added in 1996 which included construction of a new west entrance, third floor conference room, three new lounges, a food court and a bookstore. New carpet and furniture were placed, and the bathrooms were remodeled in 2008. The Milo Bail Student Center remains the hub of student life at UNO. A food court, Durango’s Grill, Maverick Den serving Starbucks coffee, the UNO Bookstore, offices and many other student support services are located at MBSC.
ALLWINE HALL
Completed in 1970, the university named the building after Arthur A. Allwine, a retired real estate investor who in 1959 donated to the university a 160-acre farm near Bennington. Upon completion, the biology department occupied the first and second stories and parts of third while the chemistry department occupied the other remaining portions of the third story and the entirety of the fourth. In the 1999- 2000 renovation, the biology and psychology departments expanded throughout the building. The project included improvements to fire alarm and energy management systems, computer and communication distribution, laboratory venting equipment, classroom updates and improved laboratory animal care facilities. Today, Allwine Hall (AH) is also home to the Healthcare Careers Resource Center.
COLLEGE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS & COMMUNITY SERVICE
The College of Public Affairs & Community Service (CPACS) building was originally built for Applied Arts and Engineering. The eastern segment of the building for Applied Arts was completed in 1959. In the mid to late 1960s, the building became known as the Engineering Building and in 1972, the Engineering facilities were finished. The building originally functioned as classrooms, lecture halls and several specialty labs. The College of Public Affairs & Community Service was created in 1973 to ensure the university was responsive to the critical social needs of our community and state. After the Engineering department relocated to Scott Campus in 2006, the university refurbished the building to house the CPACS with a substantial addition, including a new central entry.
DR. C.C. AND MABEL L. CRISS LIBRARY
In 1976, a new University Library was built. The primary (second) story housed reference materials while the third story held “main stacks and reading areas” and the first story held microfilms and documents. In 2004, it was renamed after Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss, leading figures in the early development of Mutual of Omaha as well as founders of the Criss Foundation. In 2006, the university began construction of a three-story northern addition named in honor of Dr. Guinter Kahn, an alumnus of Omaha University and the inventor of Rogaine. The Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library serves as the primary source of academic information for the university and strives to create physical and virtual environments that foster the university’s goals for teaching, learning and research.
HEALTH & KINESIOLOGY
The Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) building first opened its doors in 1980. It included an Olympic-size swimming pool, racquetball and handball courts, an elevated jogging area, a dance studio, staff offices, 11 laboratories and five classrooms. In 2008-10, the university undertook an expansion. The new space allowed for more cardio and weightlifting equipment as well as a juice bar, a hot tub and an expansion of the jogging track. Student health services, previously located in the Milo Bail Student Center, relocated to the HPER Building. A 150,000 square foot renovation and addition was completed in 2010. The school, and subsequently the building, was renamed in 2017 to Health and Kinesiology (H&K). Today, the H&K building houses the School of Health and Kinesiology, the Wellness Center, Counseling Center, Health Services, Campus Recreation and the MavREC Café.
HENNINGSON MEMORIAL CAMPANILE
UNO broke ground for the Henningson Memorial Campanile’s foundation in May of 1988, and it was completed in 1989 thanks to a donation from Margre Henningson-Durham, who with her husband Charles W. Durham were significant donors to the Durham Science Center. The campanile’s construction is in memory of Margre’s parents, Henning and Rose Henningson, and sister, Helen Henningson-Grimes. Standing 168 feet in height, the tower contains 47 bells cast at the Paccard Bell Foundry in Annecy, France. Each contains an inscription from members of the Henningson family. In 2009, the university renovated the plaza surrounding the tower. The Henningson Memorial Campanile stands at the center of the UNO campus and has become a central icon of the university.
Special thanks to Restoration Exchange Omaha (now Preserve Omaha) for providing historical information and the “Now” images of Allwine Hall, Milo Bail Student Center, Arts & Sciences and Henningson Memorial Campanile by Nathan King.