During the first big expansion of the University of Minnesota in the 1880s, many buildings were built. Perhaps the most detailed and over the top is this one, Pillsbury Hall. Designed by Leroy S. Buffington and Harvey Ellis, this building has almost too many unique and beautiful details to chronicle here.

Pillsbury Hall Today.

It originally was to be the Chemistry Building, and since its construction, it's served many different departments well.

The University, shortly after this building was built, changed over to centrally located coal heat for the campus buildings. This was done to reduce the threat of fire that had already damaged a couple of buildings. Because of this, many buildings acquired a coat of soot that obscured their lovely details over the years. This is what happened to Pillsbury Hall. In the mid 1980's, the building was cleaned and everyone was astonished to find that there were all kinds of beauty underneath the coal grime. There happens to be 4 different colored stones that were used to construct this buildings. The patterns the stones were laid in are now very easily seen.

Here are some of the many details one can see just by strolling around the building.

Medusa	Sealion
Gargoyle	Daisy

I just love this building. I wonder how many craftsmen it took to cut this stone just so and to create such a wonderful and pleasing overall look. I wonder if you could even get this done for money today.

Intricate brickwork on the South side of the building.