Wylie Hall has history of fire, renovation

For anyone who has taken an economics class, Wylie Hall is a familiar place. But Wylie isn't just the home of the economics department. Located at 100 S. Woodlawn Ave. between Owen Hall and Kirkwood Hall, Wylie Hall has seen its share of excitement over the years, including a chemical fire.\nIn 1884 Wylie Hall was the first building erected at IU after moving the campus to Dunn's Woods, according to www.iuinfo.indiana.edu. The building was named after IU's first president, Andrew Wylie, as well as IU professor Theophilus Wylie. The University's library was originally located on the second floor of the building, just above the chemistry department on the first floor. Initially the building was constructed with only two floors and topped with a tower. \nA chemical fire destroyed the roof and tower in 1900, according to www.bloomington.in.gov. When Wylie was reconstructed, it was built with three stories. The tower, however, was never rebuilt. Since the fire, many departments have been wholly or partially housed in Wylie, including apparel merchandising and interior design. \nIn 1996 Wylie Hall was rededicated after a $3.5 million three-year renovation, according to the University's Web site. Following the rededication, Wylie became home to the economics department. \nArlington Williams, professor and director of undergraduate studies for the economics department, said moving the department to Wylie from its previous location in Ballantine was a smart decision.\n"Being in Wylie is a vast improvement over Ballantine Hall in many ways, and we are very pleased to be here," he said.