Until 1973 Gilman Hall was known as Chemistry Hall. Built In 1913, Gilman Hall was one of the largest buildings in the mid-west, housing 110,000 square feet of useable floor space. Like the English Office Building, Gilman has not been plagued by any fires. Another interesting fact about Gilman Hall is that the floors are built with asphalt; the asphalt is much softer than concrete and ISU did this knowing that most students spend at least half the day standing and walking. There is room for 2000-2500 student lockers and many offices for professors. The hall was completed in 1916. Many renovations and repairs were made and a new entrance was built in 1942 as well as an addition in 1965.