Van Meter Hall
Van Meter Hall is a building on the campus of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Constructed in 1911, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 18, 1979.
History
Van Meter Hall was the first building constructed on the campus of Western Kentucky University. It was also the first building on the campus designed by Louisville architect Brinton B. Davis, nicknamed the "hill builder" due to his vast work designing the majority of the university layout from 1909 until 1939.The building, completed in 1911, is designed to look like the Acropolis's Erechtheion Temple. The most notable feature of the structure was a 1,600 seat auditorium for hosting concerts and public events, but Van Meter also contained office space. It was named for Captain Charles J. Van Meter, a local riverboat captain and developer.
Modern usage
Today Van Meter Hall houses the office of Campus and Community Events. The auditorium is heavily used for theatrical performances, musical performances, guest speakers, pageants, various dance recitals, and Van Meter also serves as meeting space for large events hosted by the campus' president and other campus constituents. Many famous faces have graced the stage of Van Meter Hall. Some are: Carlos Mencia, Anoushka Shankar, Kiss, Nancy Cartwright, Charlie Daniels, and so many more.Renovations
The building has undergone minor renovations numerous times, most notably in 1968, 1969, and 1971.Van Meter Hall had gone under a major renovation and expansion that started in the spring of 2008. More area was added to the rear of the building, which allows the music and theatre departments added space. The overhaul of the building greatly improved the lighting structures and seating, which allows student musicians and actors to stage better performances in the auditorium. As of March 2009, construction was five months ahead of schedule and the building reopened for use in late Spring of 2010.