BGSU Historic Campus Tour

Continue Walking Tour | End Residence Hall Tour

The construction of Conklin Quadrangle was another example of University administration efforts to deal with overpopulation and housing inadequacy on campus. Much like its brethren of buildings, Kohl, Founders, Alice Prout Hall, and the University Union, administrators financed the construction of the building from the profits gained from the sale of revenue bonds on the

open market. At its opening, Conklin served as a residence hall for men only, but today is coeducational. In addition, Conklin Quadrangle has been the focus of innovative living experiments, and governing practices throughout its history. Indeed, administrators established a "self-governing" system, "room only" option, and community volunteer programs in the building at periodic intervals throughout its history.

Listed below are additional highlights in the history of the building:

• 1960, construction completed of a "men's residence center" entailing three separate but connected buildings forming a "U" shape facing Wooster Street.
• 1961, officially dedicated as the "Conklin Quadrangle" and named for the University's first Dean of Men, Arch B. Conklin.
• 1962, officially opens.
• 1968, "self-governing" system established to allow men to rule, administer, and render policy decisions for themselves.
• 1971, became the first dormitory on campus to offer a "room only" option which would not require residents to pay bonds.
• 1987, renovation completed at a final cost of $90,000. Major improvement was the reconstruction of the south wall.
• 2000, renovation of Conklin residence halls complete.
• 2001, masonry/brick stain project.
• 2002, masonry renovations including tuck pointing, sealant replacement, waterproofing, side street elevations, and flashing installation on the second and third floors.
• 2007, student services offices move to Conklin from Saddlemire