Seen above is the Archdale Building. I know nothing about it other than it’s a state governent building. Anyone know when it was built and what goes on there now?

By a somewhat coincidence, the topic of Harrelson Hall came up at work shortly before I had planned to write about it. Considering the location (brickyard) and that it houses math and foreign language classes, everyone that went to NCSU is familiar with it and has some sort of opinion on it–usually negative. The folks I work with were no exception.

It seems as though the the talk of its destruction has been going on for at least a few years now. Wikipedia says that

Future plans call for the demolition and reconstruction of Harrelson Hall after a temporary hall has been constructed. A rebuilding plan was chosen after the estimated expenses for remodeling were compiled and deemed too costly.

Jason, a friend from work, said during the discussion that Harrelson Hall was often the base for some recurring dreams he’s had. I don’t find it that surprising. There are somewhat unreal elements to it. Getting to where you need to go is often a pain.

No one I know seems terribly sad that it is going to be torn down, myself included. Occasionally, function and practicality are more important than historical significance (first cylindrical building on a college campus).

• What are your experiences in this building?
• Any quirks you remember when having classes here?
• What are your thoughts on its inevitable demise?

My first few experiences with photography downtown involved the Clarion Building. In fact, the third post to this blog included a picture I took in 2004 from the top of the Clarion Hotel when the Tower Lounge and Restaurant was in the process of being built/formed. I also had another post where the top of the Clarion Tower looked like a UFO because the middle part was obscured by trees.
I’m not sure how some in the local architectural community in general feel about this building, but I view it as a landmark and am very proud to have it in my home town.