Building Occupied: October 1, 1898

Builders: Dickinson and Van Wagner

Style: Modified Renaissance

Architect: Edwin H. Gaggin, Class of 1892, Syracuse University School of Architecture

Materials: Rock-faced Onondaga limestone

Space: 130' by 75'

Cost: Over $46,000

Funding: $5,000, Mrs. Esther Baker Steele, trustee; $28,000, John D. Archbold; various other donors

Originally called Esther Baker Steele Hall of Physics, it was designed to match the Holden Observatory in style. Originally, it housed the Physics Department, until then located in the Hall of Languages. Over the years it has been the home of many other departments, such as Biology, Architecture and Citizenship. In 1969, the Physics Building was completed and Steele became an administration building. Functional improvements have been made over the years.

Steele Hall at Syracuse University was first occupied on October 1, 1898. It is located due east of the Heroy Geology Laboratory and southwest of Hendricks Chapel. This four-story, load-bearing masonry structure was designed in a modified Renaissance style to blend with the architecture of Holden Observatory. It was named in honor of SU Trustee Esther Baker Steele and originally housed the Physics Department. Prior to being converted to an administrative facility in 1969, this building also housed the Departments of Biology, Architecture, and Citizenship. It now contains the offices of the Registrar, as well as other University programs and services, including the ITS Training Center, Human Resources, the Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion, and Resolution Services, the Office of Academic Affairs, and the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. This 1898 structure is reported to comprise 28,923 gross square feet.