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West Engineering Building (West Hall)
West Engineering (1929) Bentley Historical Library Photo: BL004627 Today, West Hall Looking toward the Dennison Archway	In 1901, President Angell expressed concern over the need for more space because of an increase in engineering students.[102] Construction was authorized for what was then called the “New Engineering Building” and plans were prepared by Mason and Kahn of Detroit. In 1904, after several construction delays, the building was completed at the cost of $275,000.[102] The ground floor features a naval tank (which still exists today), and had laboratory space dedicated to electrical engineering. The second and third floors were dedicated to civil engineering.[102] The building is an “L” shape in plan, with the corner forming a diagonal. The shortest wing faces South University. An archway at the base allows the walkway to continue through without disrupting pedestrian traffic. The arch is named in honor of Professor Charles Simeon Dennison. Staircases are located on each side of the arch in the circular towers. The exterior is a reddish-brown brick with a limestone facing on the lower levels. The roof is made of red clay tile, and the structure is steel and reinforced concrete.[102] The reason for the “complete” long extension of the wing projecting northward was due to an addition completed in 1910. The addition was actually constructed on top of the naval tank portion, making the entire building four stories along what was once East University Avenue.[102] Since Engineering made its move up to North Campus, the building known today as West Hall and is primarily home to the Department of Anthropology and the Department of Statistics.
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