The rotunda of Nichol Hall welcomes students and visitors into a storied building whose history dates back to 1928–29, when it was built as a new home for the Loma Linda Sanitarium and Hospital.
The building—now home to the School of Public Health and School of Allied Health Professions—has undergone many expansions and renovations, the latest of which has been an update in elegance for the rotunda.
Or rather, it is a return to its original glory, as guests will see during an open house February 19 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. The whole campus is invited, with special invitations extended to people born in Nichol Hall, all past deans of public health and allied health, current Nichol Hall employees, and the Loma Linda University Health councilors.
The restoration of the rotunda has included removing carpet to reveal the original marble and quartz terrazzo flooring and embedded Loma Linda Sanitarium seal. Wooden ceiling beams have been added to accent the rotunda’s shape and original design. Other details include new arched doors and furniture, refurbished bathrooms, and a display of historical photographs, which all come together in a blend of art deco and mission styles. Architects also restored the wrought-ironwork front door.
The February 19 open house will show all this off, but the event is not just about the building. It is about all the people who have lived out part of their lives there.
In order to incorporate stories and details about them and their time in Nichol Hall, event organizers would love to hear from people born there or who worked there.
For more information or to share memories of Nichol Hall, please contact Kent Chow at kchow@llu.edu or (909) 558-4973.