East Hall Before Renovation

Those of us who grew up in Kalamazoo probably have been on the steps of East Hall. This is the most wonderful view in Kalamazoo. You can see the entire skyline. Groups of people would come here to play music, draw, or just relax from a stressful day. This is why when East Campus was closed off for construction, many of us were disappointed we would not be able to return of over a year. However, it was all worth it. The view now is more beautiful than ever. Also, the building has been completely renovated and is now in use. Finally, East Campus is back to life.

East Hall is the oldest Western Michigan University building. It was completed in 1905 on the land known as Prospect Hill. Within just four years East Hall had expanded to two new wings. In the next few decades, more buildings were built on Prospect Hill. This includes North Hall, West Hall, Walwood Hall, and the Hearing and Vision Impaired Building. Today Walwood and East Hall still stand. Also, the face of North Hall remains as a monument.

During the 1970’s and 1980’s East Campus’s use had declined. The Business School was the last remaining college on prospect hill, until it moved to West Campus in 1990. So, for years the campus was falling apart. It was a beautiful place to walk through. However, the condition of these building were depressing. In 2013, WMU decided to fix this issue. The problem is, the cost of renovating all of the buildings would be far too expensive. They announced only East Hall and Walwood would remain after renovation. Many Kalamazoo citizens were upset that this history would be destroyed. Although, I think most people now know this was a great decision. Finally, East Campus is alive again.

East Hall Now: