This Week in St. Olaf History

Twenty years ago this week, the Manitou Messenger printed an article concerning the future of the old red building. An Ytterboe Planning Committee set out to determine the possibility for renovation and historical preservation. Surveying the structure for office and classroom space, a preservation architect determined that the project would be cost-effective.

Planning for Ytterboe's longevity began long before the eventual tear-down in the fall of 1997. The committee speculated that the new library addition and chapel could be integrated with old Ytterboe Hall, much like Buntrock is today. While the committee made a formal presentation to President George on March 7, 1988 regarding the potential for Ytterboe Hall, one thing was certain: Ytterboe would no longer be used as a residence hall beginning in the fall of 1989. Many alumni contributed to the building's legendary status and the epic tales that have been passed on.