If you’ve ever walked the Quad at Illinois State University, you’ve seen it. It’s that massive, red-brick building standing guard near the Bone Student Center. Honestly, Fell Hall is one of those places that feels like it’s been there forever because, well, it basically has. It’s not just another campus building filled with classrooms and buzzing fluorescent lights; it is a literal anchor of history in Normal, Illinois.
Construction started way back in 1917. Think about that for a second. The world was in the middle of a massive war, technology was primitive by our standards, and here was ISU—then known as Illinois State Normal University—trying to build its very first on-campus dormitory. It wasn't easy. Because of labor shortages and the sheer cost of materials during World War I, the project stalled. It sat there, unfinished, for years.
Students finally moved in around 1918, but it wasn't "finished" in the way we think of modern construction. It was a women-only dorm back then. Imagine the strict rules of 1920s campus life: curfews, formal dinners, and a very specific "proper" way to exist as a student. It’s a far cry from the chaotic, coffee-fueled energy you’ll find in the building today.
Why Fell Hall Matters to the ISU Identity
You can't talk about Illinois State without mentioning Jesse Fell. He was the guy who basically willed the university into existence. He was a friend of Abraham Lincoln, a tree lover, and a visionary for Central Illinois. Naming the first dorm Fell Hall wasn't just a polite gesture; it was a nod to the DNA of the entire town.
The building has gone through some wild transformations. It’s like a person who keeps reinventing themselves every twenty years. It went from being the premier women's residence to a men’s dorm, and eventually, it stopped being a place where people slept entirely. In the late 1980s and early 90s, the university poured millions into a massive renovation. They gutted the interior to turn it into an academic space.
Now, it houses the School of Communication.
This is where things get interesting. If you go inside today, you aren't going to see bunk beds or communal showers. You’re going to see the nerve center of campus media. It’s the home of WGLT, the local NPR affiliate that provides some of the best journalism in the state. It’s also where TV-10 is located. If you see a student running across the Quad with a tripod and a look of pure panic on their face, they’re probably a TV-10 student rushing back to Fell Hall to make a deadline for the evening news.
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The Architecture: More Than Just Brick
Architecture nerds love this place. It was designed by James B. Dibelka, who was the state architect at the time. It has that classic Collegiate Gothic feel, but with a bit more restraint. It’s sturdy.
The "old" part of the building has these high ceilings and heavy doors that feel like they belong in a movie. But then you walk into the newer additions and it’s all glass and modern tech. It’s a weird, cool hybrid. The 1992 renovation added a lot of the functional space that the School of Communication uses now, including the radio studios and the high-tech computer labs.
Most people don't realize that Fell Hall also houses the Daily Vidette—or at least it did for a long time before they moved. The building has always been a magnet for people who want to tell stories. Whether it’s through a microphone, a camera, or a keyboard, the walls of Fell Hall have heard more "breaking news" than probably any other spot in McLean County.
Living in Fell Hall: A Lost Experience
Ask an alum from the 1960s or 70s about living there, and you’ll get some stories. It wasn't always the sleek media hub it is today. Back in the day, it was known for being a bit cramped. Dorm life in the mid-century was... intimate, let's put it that way.
- The Transition: In the 70s, as bigger towers like Watterson and Hewett-Manchester went up, the demand for the "old school" dorms dropped.
- The Legend: There are always rumors about hauntings. Some students swear they’ve felt "cold spots" in the basement or heard footsteps in the attic. Is it ghosts? Or just 100-year-old pipes settling? You decide.
- The View: The best part of living there was undoubtedly the proximity to the Quad. You could roll out of bed and be in class in three minutes.
It’s kind of a shame that students can’t live there anymore. There’s something special about those historic halls that the modern high-rises just can't replicate. But using it for the School of Communication was a smart move. It keeps the building alive and bustling from 8:00 AM until way past midnight when the radio students are still pulling shifts.
WGLT and the Impact of Modern Media
We have to talk about WGLT. Having a professional NPR station inside Fell Hall is a huge deal for Illinois State University. It bridges the gap between the "real world" and the "academic world."
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You have professional reporters like Charlie Schlenker or Mary Cullen (historically) working just down the hall from students who are still trying to figure out how to write a lead. That kind of proximity is rare. It turns the building into a giant lab. It’s not just about theory; it’s about doing the work.
When a major event happens in Bloomington-Normal—like a big election or a local crisis—Fell Hall becomes the town’s information hub. The lights stay on. The coffee pots are never empty. It’s the heartbeat of the local news cycle.
Common Misconceptions About Fell Hall
A lot of people think Fell Hall is just for "media kids." That’s not really true.
While the School of Communication is the "anchor tenant," the building sees a huge amount of foot traffic from all majors. It’s a central hub for advising and student services. If you’re a freshman and you’re confused about your schedule, there’s a good chance you’re going to end up in Fell Hall talking to an advisor who is trying to help you keep your life together.
Another myth? That the building is "falling apart." Sure, it’s old. Old buildings have quirks. Sometimes the elevators are a bit slow, and the heating system has a mind of its own in the winter. But the 1990s renovation was incredibly thorough. The bones of the building are solid. It’s actually one of the better-maintained historic structures on campus.
The Future of Fell Hall
What happens next? As digital media keeps changing, the building has to adapt. We’re seeing more space dedicated to podcasting, digital content creation, and social media strategy. The days of just needing a "TV studio" are gone. Now, students need "multi-platform spaces."
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The university has been pretty good about updating the tech inside those old walls. You’ll walk past a 100-year-old window and see a student editing 4K video on a high-end workstation. It’s that contrast that makes the building so cool. It respects the past but doesn't get stuck in it.
If you’re visiting ISU, don't just walk past. Go inside. Look at the photos of the old dorm rooms in the lobby areas. Notice the transition from the old stone to the new glass. It tells the story of how a small teachers' college turned into a major national university.
Actionable Advice for Visitors and Students
If you’re heading to Fell Hall soon, here are a few things you actually need to know:
- Check out the WGLT windows. Sometimes you can see the hosts on air. It’s a cool look at "live" radio in action.
- Use the South Entrance. If you’re coming from the Bone Student Center, the south entrance is the most direct route to the advising offices.
- Find the quiet corners. Because it’s an academic building now, there are some surprisingly quiet spots on the upper floors that are great for studying if the Milner Library is too crowded.
- Respect the history. Take a second to look at the plaque dedicated to Jesse Fell. Without that guy, none of this—the building, the school, the town—would look the way it does.
- Park in the Visitor Lot. Don’t try to park right next to the building unless you have a staff permit. The ISU parking police are notoriously efficient. Use the visitor lot at the Bone Student Center; it’s a short walk and will save you a $50 ticket.
Fell Hall isn't just a collection of bricks and mortar. It’s a survivor. It survived a world war, a Great Depression, and the total digital overhaul of the communication industry. It’s the soul of the Illinois State University Quad, and it’s not going anywhere.
Next Steps for Your ISU Journey:
If you're a prospective student, your next move should be scheduling a formal tour through the Office of Admissions; they usually make a specific stop at Fell Hall if you mention an interest in media or communication. For alumni, check the WGLT website for their next "open house" event, which is the best way to see the modern renovations inside the historic shell. If you're just a local history buff, the McLean County Museum of History in downtown Bloomington has the original blueprints and early photos of the dormitory that provide a fascinating "before and after" perspective.