Tolley Building
Plans Begun: June, 1887
Cornerstone Laid: June 25, 1888
Dedicated: June 24, 1889
West Wing Addition Occupied: October 30, 1903
Books from the Von Ranke collection transferred to newly opened Carnegie Library; building remodeled and renamed Administration Building: 1907
Rededicated to Chancellor William P. Tolley: September 14, 1985
Cost: $35,000
Style: Romanesque
Architect: Archimedes Russell
Materials: Red brick and terra cotta
Notes:
The Library Building Committee initiated plans for a new library during the 1887 commencement ceremonies. The building was erected as a library to house the library of the German historian Leopold von Ranke, which was purchased for the University though the generosity of the Rev. and Mrs. John M. Reid, former president of Genesee College and trustee from 1888 to 1896. Dr. Reid purchased the collection in 1887 on the condition that a library be built to house it.
Sixty-nine contributors helped pay for the cost of the library. John D. Archbold contributed $12,500 and Chancellor Charles N. Sims donated $1,250.
In 1903 the west wing was added. In 1907 the books were transferred to the newly opened Carnegie Library and the building was remodeled and renamed the Administration Building, housing the Chancellor, the Treasurer, the Registrar, etc.
The first cafeteria was in the basement of this building.
On September 14, 1985 the building was rededicated to former Chancellor William Pearson Tolley. The Tolley Administration Building houses the Office of the Chancellor, Vice Chancellors, and many of the Chancellor's immediate support staff.
