Charles McKenny Union records
015.CMKU

Summary Information

Repository
Eastern Michigan University Archives
Title
Charles McKenny Union records
ID
015.CMKU
Date [inclusive]
1930-2012
Extent
1.0 Linear feet 1 record center carton
Language
English
Abstract
Charles McKenny Union is a building on the campus of Eastern Michigan University. Construction began in 1930 and the building was dedicated in 1931. The McKenny Union records pertain largely to the original planning and construction of the building and the several renovation projects that modernized the building.

Preferred Citation note

Please cite materials from the University Archives in the following manner: Item. Collection Title. Eastern Michigan University Archives.

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Administrative History

The idea for a student union on the campus of Michigan State Normal College was proposed in 1924 by then University President Charles McKenny. The Alumni Association raised $500,000 for the project, and by 1928 the school had secured additional pledges of $350,000. However, because of the 1929 Stock Market Crash, the construction plan was adjusted in order to cost less. Construction began in 1931, and the state had to take control in 1937 because of continued difficulties funding the project. Despite these early setbacks, the building was eventually finished.

The building was designed by architect Frank Eurich, Jr. of Burrough and Eurich, based in Detroit, Michigan, and the style of the building combines the Art Deco influences popular in the 1920s and 1930s with the Collegiate Gothic style, seen across many college campuses at the time.

During the 1950s, the third floor and basement of the Union were used as student housing because of a lack of appropriate student housing on campus. In 1963, the building was renovated and modernized, and was reponed in 1966. Another renovation followed in 1992.

Charles McKenny Union was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

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Scope and Contents

Charles McKenny Union is a building on the campus of Eastern Michigan University. Construction began in 1930 and the building was dedicated in 1931. Today the building continues to serve a social function, as well as serve as the home to University offices, events, and meetings.

The Charles McKenny Union records have been arranged in the series Construction and Facilities Maintenance; this series includes materials pertaining to the planning, construction, and renovation of the building over the years. Also included in the records are news releases, correspondence, clippings, brochures, and event materials.

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Administrative Information

Publication Information

Eastern Michigan University Archives 2012 November 14

Halle Library, Room 310
Ypsilanti, Michigan, 48197
734-487-0020

Conditions Governing Access note

Researchers are asked to request materials 24 hours prior to visiting the the University Archives.

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Controlled Access Headings

Personal Name(s)

  • McKenny, Charles, President Eastern Michigan College

Subject(s)

  • Building dedications.
  • Buildings
  • Buildings--Additions.
  • Buildings--Remodeling for other use.
  • College campuses
  • Eastern Michigan University
  • Michigan State Normal College
  • Renovation (Architecture)
  • Student Unions

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Collection Inventory

Construction and Facilities Maintenance 1930-2003 

Building Report 1930-1931 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023992978)   1 1

Budget & Finance 1938-1939 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023992978)   1 2

Contracts and Leases 1930 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023992978)   1 3-4

Committee Reports & Audits 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023992978)   1 5-6

Dedication 1930-1931 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023992978)   1 7

Fundraising materials 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023992978)   1 8

Preliminary Report: Program Analysis - Area & Cost Studies 1959 January 30 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023992978)   1 9

Proposed Union Building Program 1963 April 8 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023992978)   1 10

Schematic Design Phase 1988 August 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023992978)   1 11-12

Renovation Schematic Design Supplement 1991 April 30 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023992978)   1 13

New Union 2003 


    Box Folder
Mixed materials (32307023992978)   1 14

Historic American Building Survey 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023992978)   1 15

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News Releases 1987-1996 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023992978)   1 16

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Correspondence 1929-1932 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023992978)   1 17

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Conferences Held in Building 1988-1993 


    Box Folder
Mixed materials (32307023992978)   1 18

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Employee Files 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023992978)   1 19

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Advocacy Brochures 1927-1966 


    Box Folder
Mixed materials (32307023992978)   1 20

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Events and Programs 


    Box Folder
Mixed materials (32307023992978)   1 21-22

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Clippings 1930-2010 


    Box Folder
Mixed materials (32307023992978)   1 23-25

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Miscellaneous 


    Box Folder
Mixed materials (32307023992978)   1 26-27

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