An assuring symbol

-- Jane McGough

Downtown St. Paul is flanked by the Mississippi River to the south, the St. Paul Cathedral to the west, the Minnesota State Capitol to the north and the Great Hall of Metropolitan State University’s New Main to the east. These landmarks define St. Paul’s traditions, sustainability and dedication to its citizens.

Towering on Dayton’s Bluff like a medieval monastery, Metropolitan State’s Great Hall serves as a tangible symbol of commitment, perseverance and stability. The building’s design combines the elements of prairie-style comfort, Roman stateliness and spiritual wonder.

Standing in New Main’s Great Hall, one looks in one direction toward the emerging history of St. Paul’s East Side. In another direction, one gazes over the past and future of Minnesota.

All things commercial, environmental, political and civic are encompassed in the sweeping view afforded by the Great Hall’s grand windows. Workers, students, people young and old, and citizens of all races and identities traverse the roadways, river, nature paths and sidewalks below.

For years, Metropolitan State classes were held in various temporary locations across the Twin Cities. University offices were scattered about as well. Metropolitan State needed a permanent home.

That home was built at the gateway to St. Paul’s historic East Side on a bluff once occupied by Victorian mansions and St. John’s Hospital. Two buildings on the hospital site were saved and renovated for classroom, office and auditorium spaces. Architects worked with school administrators to design the Great Hall — an iconic identity for the school once known as the "university without walls."

Metropolitan State now has its own walls. The Great Hall reminds students not to be limited by those walls but to look out and beyond them toward the future of their communities. The Great Hall is a symbol that assures students Metropolitan State will be here for the long term; that it is committed and open to all who attend.