History

 

 Northland Hall, 1963. Mundelein College Photograph Collection.

 

Even after Mundelein College opened its new dormitory, Coffey Hall, in 1962, the demand for student housing on campus continued to grow. Through a real estate agent who had recently helped Mundelein purchase land, Mundelein president Ann Ida Gannon, BVM, learned that a nearby apartment building was going up for sale. In September 1963, the college purchased the Northland Apartments for $750,000. Forty-two students moved in to the second floor that fall, bringing the total number of students living on campus to 280. 

 

 An aerial view of West Sheridan Road including Northland Hall and the Mundelein College Skyscraper

 

The Northland sat west of the Skyscraper building, north of the intersection of Winthrop Avenue and North Sheridan Road. Many of the apartments were unoccupied and in disrepair when it was purchased. The college planned to continue to rent to existing tenants and use that income to remodel the building, with the goal of having all floors ready by September 1965. However, once student residence applications for Fall 1964 came in, the administration realized they would need to get as much of the building ready for students as possible. Tenants with existing leases were allowed to stay until December 1964, after which Mundelein quickly prepared more rooms for students. Over time, Mundelein remodeled bathrooms and replaced furniture to eventually provide housing to 250 students. Apartments on the first floor were converted to parlors and reception areas for students to socialize and entertain guests.  

The apartment-style living of Northland Hall provided a different experience to the traditional dormitory style of Coffey Hall. The building included 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments which were occupied by two students per bedroom. Each unit included a bathroom, telephone, and kitchenette. A report from 1977 stated that the Northland Dormitory had that year housed 86 eighteen to twenty-two year old students, up to 97 Weekend College students, 9 graduate students, and 14 women religious. Space was also used for the Laboratory Preschool, where Mundelein’s education students gained real classroom experience.  

The resident hall stood until 1992, when Loyola demolished the building to build a new campus entrance. 

 

 Two students walk through the arched entrance of Northland Hall. circa 1964. Mundelein College Photograph Collection.