Nichols Hall

In addition to housing several Arts and Sciences departments, Nichols Hall features a theatre, dance studios and more.

View Nichols Hall on the campus map.

 

Building History

Nichols Hall, built in 1911, housed the physical education and military science departments. Its design reflected the medieval fortress style typical of ROTC buildings. The facility included a swimming pool in the basement, a radio broadcasting studio on the top floor, and space for the Department of Music. Known as "The Castle," Nichols Hall served as the home of KSAC, K-State's public radio station, and featured radio towers constructed in 1924, which are now recognized as national historical monuments.

In 1968, a devastating fire severely damaged the building, leaving only the exterior walls intact. The state legislature, with strong support from K-State students and alumni, allocated $5.5 million for its reconstruction. The rebuilt Nichols Hall was completed in 1985, featuring a lobby mural dedicated to the students who fought to preserve it.

The building is named after Dr. Ernest R. Nichols, a former head of the Department of Physics and a K-State president in the early 20th century. The fire also left the Department of Music with only one surviving piece of sheet music—"The Wabash Cannonball," which became a beloved school song after the incident.