Out of all the buildings on the New Jersey City University campus there is this one building on campus that may strike you as a little odd. It sort of has a mystique behind it due its appearance. That building is called Grossnickle Hall.
Now, while walking towards Grossnickle the first thing you might notice about the four story structure is its ancient look. It’s the type of building that most students would not want to have a three hour lecture in because of the building’s dark, dry and dull appearance that gives Grossnicle an almost haunted impression.
The funny thing about Grossnickle Hall is that while it looks like the oldest building on campus, it’s not even close. That title belongs to Hepburn Hall, which was completed in 1930 and serves as the symbol for the University. However, while opening these old looking doors and walking into the building it’s quiet with colorful hallways, but those colors are dim and faded.
There are elevators that seem like a death trap, old wooden benches that nobody seems to sit on, and a Gothic Times newsstand that is carrying an old issue of the school newspaper.
There are many classrooms in the Grossnicle, and the rooms are quite large. The classrooms that had students were not filled to capacity, and there was enough space therein to be able to do exercises. Most of the classrooms were empty and are often so, they were easy to gain access to because there are no swipe entry access points like the classrooms in other newer buildings. The doors are unlocked and all you have to do is simply walk in.
The strangest thing about Grossnickle Hall isn’t its dark appearance, or its empty humongous classrooms, or even its quiet nature. It’s the old lockers! They are on every floor of the building and are locked shut by worn out looking combination locks. The strange about these lockers is that they seem to have been shut for many years. They seem to have been abandoned. So then why are they still locked? What’s inside these lockers? The imagination revels in the possibilities and positively salivates at the endless combination of possibilities. Those strange lockers are a symbol and typify Grossnickle, they represent this building’s unique and unflattering qualities. Grossnickle gives off the air of an old, mysterious, forgotten, and abandoned building, almost unapologetically at that.
Grossnickle Hall was named in the honor of Dr. Foster E. Grossnickle, and opened in 1962. He taught Meteorology for 30 years and was a student council faculty advisor. He contributed to acquiring financial support for athletics and even gave his own funds until an activity fee was agreed to have all students pitch in for athletics.
Grossnickle features art studios, the Courtney Art Gallery, laboratories, classrooms, and an auditorium that seats 180 people. There are also departments and faculty offices for art, philosophy, religion, mathematics, English, physics and political science in Grossnickle.
Grossnickle is a strange building to say the least and a forgotten misunderstood one at that. What Grossnickle lacks in aesthetic value, it more than makes up for in rich history and personality.
Steve • Apr 26, 2013 at 12:07 am
Bryant, I side with you, I love the look of the building. It, oddly enough adds some character. Each time I had a class in that building, there is something interesting I see.
I think you should add to your story. Prof. Craven pointed out an interesting thing about the building. If you notice there is more buttons in the elevator than floors. If I remember correctly, they originally planned for more floors.