Currently, the University Park campus of Penn State University is home to nearly three hundred different buildings. Although most of these buildings have notable design features, no building is more of a distinctive landmark than Old Main. The current structure is actually the second Old Main to occupy this location. Built in 1929 on Old Main, it originally housed classrooms, laboratories, student housing and administrative offices. It was also briefly used as a student union until the HUB was built. Today, the building houses Penn State's administrative offices and the president's office. Construction of the building began on June 24, 1857, and lasted until 1863. Designed by Bellefonte attorney Hugh McAllister, the building was the largest public structure between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh at the time of its completion. While the building was imposing on the outside, it was commonly referred to as a “dungeon” on the inside due to its lack of lighting. Students often pretended to study by candlelight. It was not until 1887 that the building was lit by electric incandescent lamps. Old Main was the first building of major importance on campus and was often referred to as the Main Building. Later, when other buildings began to spring up around campus, students began affectionately calling it "Old Main." This name seems to have stuck and became official when the current structure was built in 1929 and is officially titled Old Main. College Avenue in downtown State College separates the Penn State campus (University Park) from the city. Walking on these sidewalks demonstrates the difference between these two with stores and restaurants on one side and classroom buildings, dormitories...... middle of paper...... office men reflecting the location of that of women. Still at the end of the hallway, there is an exit to the west facade facing the Willard Building. It is evident that the offices of male and female deans mirror each other to display equality between students and the deans who govern them. The second floor of the building bears a striking resemblance to the first floor. Here, one also has access to the main hall. A door at the top of the stairs from the second floor lobby leads north into the boardroom. Here there are offices, a meeting room and a lounge. Located in the center of the building, this demonstrates that even though administrators are absent from the day-to-day operations of the university, they still have central governance. This is important for the president who must pass these offices daily. He or she knows it