Preserve Anderson Hall and Reset K-State for the Century Ahead
Anderson Hall represents K-State's past, present, & future as a highly respected institute of higher learning. Imagine K-State without it.
Since 1884, Anderson Hall has represented the starting point for new students entering and new graduates moving ahead to new chapters in their lives.
It would be like Paris without the Eiffel Tower. St. Louis without the arch. San Francisco without the Golden Gate Bridge. Anderson Hall is a monument of optimism, endurance, and confidence. Restoring this structure ensures we restore our pride and commitment to the next century fulfilling our land grant legacy.
After 140 years of being here for K-State, it’s time for all K-Staters to be here for Anderson Hall.
The Time is Now
Over the past several years, work has been underway to plan a phased restoration of Anderson Hall. In the summer of 2024, the first phase, a multi-million-dollar overhaul of the first-floor interior and the adjacent parking lot, was completed.
Seeing the importance of this project, the State of Kansas has allocated matching funds to pay for approximately 50% of the $42 million needed to restore Anderson Hall to the beacon of pride needed to support K-State's activity and service for the next 100 years.
A portion of the philanthropic support raised will establish a sustainability fund, ensuring Anderson Hall will be preserved and maintained on K-State’s flagship campus for generations to come.
Together We Will Advance the Dream of the Next Generation Land Grant University
The next phase of the Anderson Hall renovation project focuses on two areas that align with the Campus Masterplan principle of enhancing the K-State experience.
Infrastructure
There is an urgent need to update the exterior windows,
stone/masonry, and woodwork, address drainage issues and improve the accessibility of common entrances.
Outdoor Spaces & Landscaping
This component will connect Anderson Hall with Anderson Lawn and turn Mid-Campus Drive into a pedestrian-only space for a social plaza featuring seating and improved landscaping.
The Key Issues
Exterior Stone
Modern materials and techniques will be used to return Anderson Hall to its previous grandeur. In addition to restoration of stone, water, electrical, gas service connections will be incorporated into the exterior walls.
Windows
There are 268 windows on Anderson Hall and every one is a custom size. Windows will be restored with period-correct modern replacements using approved historical preservation techniques.
Woodwork
The extensive woodwork, roof, eaves, and trim will be renovated and restored, eliminating the rot and dilapidation currently affecting the wood structures.
Project Timeline
Our K-State Legacy
At over 140 years old, Anderson Hall is one of the oldest buildings on campus and the only one listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Conceived as a single design in 1878, the structure was constructed in stages as appropriations were made by the state legislature and completed in 1884. Anderson Hall was initially known as the Practical Agriculture Building or the Main College Building. In 1901, it was named after John A. Anderson, the second president of Kansas State Agricultural College.
Contact Us
Kansas State University Foundation
1800 Kimball Ave., Suite 200,
Manhattan, KS 66502-3373
785-775-2000
foundation@ksufoundation.org