The UI historic preservation officer, architect Melvyn Skvarla, said that the true glory of the Lincoln building is its exterior. The design of the building displays renaissance revival, exhibiting strong prairie school influence. Another notable feature of the structure is its terra cotta plaques.
The terra cotta plaques will be restored and cleaned as part of the renovation. The façade of the building and the theater inside displays great architecture, and Leetaru said that the building should be retained with its original shape.
The first floor of the facility will retain its historic look. The office floors will receive a facelift in an attempt to make it spacious. It will receive enclosed stairwells and air-conditioning systems.
The building will be sprinkled and more ramps will be added. The entrance of the facility will be enhanced to make it more accessible. The asbestos, the battered walls and torn flooring will be removed.
The four-story building was originally 230 feet long with twin 127 feet wings, and was expanded in subsequent 1929 and 1939 additions, which added the Lincoln Hall Theater.
The building features terra cotta adornments designed by Karl Schneider, artistic lead of the American Terra Cotta Company. They feature various scenes and quotations from Lincoln’s life on its exterior, along with 69 wise old owls. Ten quotes and 10 scenes from Lincoln’s life adorn the exterior of the four-story building.
A brass plaque carrying the text of the Gettysburg Address was originally embedded in the center of the marble floor, but was subsequently removed and mounted on the wall.
