In 2022, the College completed an ambitious renovation project of Norris Hall, which won a “Masters Award” from the Master Builders of Iowa, not to mention wide applause from students.
Norris has always had its fair share of detractors, criticized for it’s sterile architecture and cramped space. In the 1970s, it was nicknamed the “Holiday Inn North” which led to the following spoof in the S&B:
Perhaps the best part of the satirical article was its depiction of why the chain motel was so pleased with its purchase:
Holiday Inn was reportedly very pleased with their new purchase. A representative of that organization spoke with the S&B about the existing structure: “It fit all our needs perfectly. The walls are thin and we are impressed with the conspicuous use of Formica and the modular furniture. We’re also very happy that the hallways are so narrow . . . it makes them easier to clean. We couldn’t have done any better if we had designed, it ourselves,” he said
