In 1909, plans were underway for a new Seminary campus across the street from the college buildings. The estimated cost of these buildings and their furnishings was $155,000. Alice Chapman helped fund the construction, and the main building was named Chapman Hall in her honor.
The first story held six class rooms, each 18 by 24 feet. The second story held seven large class rooms and a reading room. The third story had a library and an art room. Chapman Hall also housed a senior lounge and a faculty lounge.
Seminary gymnasium and study hall, From the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Archives, Milw Mss L Series 11 Box 5 Folder 1 
Seminary Gymnasium, From the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Archives, Milw Mss L Series 11 Box 6 Folder 3 
Seminary Gymnasium, Milwaukee-Downer College Bulletin April 1910, From the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Archives, Milw Mss L Series 10 Box 1 Folder 9 
Seminary Gymnasium, From the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Archives, Milw Mss L Series 11 Box 6 Folder 3 
Seminary Gymnasium, Milwaukee-Downer College Bulletin February 1908, From the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Archives, Milw Mss L Series 10 Box 1 Folder 7 
Seminary Study Hall, From the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milw Mss L Series 11 Box 5 Folder 6
The east wing housed the gymnasium which extended from the basement to the first floor, and a study hall which took up the second and third floor above the gymnasium. The walls were lined with cases for reference books and with lockers for the students.
The dormitory was built in a similar style to Holton Hall and named Vogel Hall after Louise Pfister Vogel. The Vogel family had several family members on the board of trustees.
Vogel Hall Entrance, From the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Archives, Milw Mss L Series 11 Box 1 Folder 2 
Vogel Hall Parlor, From the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Archives, Milw Mss L Series 11 Box 5 Folder 6 
Vogel Hall Parlor, From the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Archives, Milw Mss L Series 11 Box 5 Folder 5
The entrance had a beautiful wooden grandfather clock. Directly opposite to the entrance was the main parlor and reception room.
The dormitory was connected to Chapman Hall by an arcade which also served as a conservatory for plants. Both buildings were designed by Eschweiler and Russell in collaboration, and had a combined cost of $155,000.
The Kindergarten
In 1935, Milwaukee-Downer College merged with the Lake School for Girls. By taking over the Lake School for Girls, the Seminary enlarged its academic program to include all years from kindergarten through high school.
The younger students were taught in a new building which was designed by the architecture firm Eschweiler & Eschweiler at a cost of $165,000. The building was completed in 1936, and decorated with animals, flowers, and inspirational quotes to appeal more to the children.
Vogel Hall. Credit: Cael Byrne Credit: Cael Byrne 
Exterior view of Vogel Hall from Downer Avenue 
Cornerstone of Vogel Hall. Credit: Cael Byrne Credit: Cael Byrne 
Inscription that reads, “Know thyself” on the outside of Vogel Hall. Credit: Cael Byrne Credit: Cael Byrne 
Inscription that reads, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” on the outside of Vogel Hall. Credit: Cael Byrne Credit: Cael Byrne
UWM Purchases the Seminary Buildings
Starting in 1952, increasing student enrollments at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee caused them to seek additional space for academic buildings, dormitories, and parking. UWM purchased the Seminary property in 1959 for $1,550,000, which included Chapman Hall, Vogel Hall, and the kindergarten building.
Chapman Hall was renamed Pearse Hall after Carroll G. Pearse who was president of the Milwaukee State Teachers College from 1913 to 1923. The Kindergarten was renamed Vogel Hall, and Vogel Hall was renamed Garland Hall after Pulitzer Prize winning author Hamlin Garland. Pearse Hall housed the School of Allied Health Professions, and Garland Hall housed the English Department.
Extension, From the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Archives, UWM AC 50, Downer Seminary Remodeling, Rolls 31 and 32 
Extension, From the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Archives, UWM AC 50, Downer Seminary Remodeling, Rolls 31 and 32 
Extension built to connect the Seminary Buildings. Credit: Cael Byrne Credit: Cael Byrne 
Extension built to connect the Seminary Buildings. Credit: Cael Byrne Credit: Cael Byrne
In 1983, UWM tore down the arcade and built an entirely new extension connecting the buildings on each floor. However, the original exterior of the building is still visible in a stairwell of Garland Hall.
“it gives you a sense of what the building was like on the outside before they were joined at the hip, so to speak, by this column that currently provides the elevator and the air handling systems,” said Pat Riley, building chair of Garland and Pearse Halls
Nowadays, Garland Hall and Pearse Hall house the Psychology Department, Center for International Studies, Center for Latin America, and the Honors program of the College of Letters and Science.
Vogel Hall was used by the School of Education from 1961 to 1972 when the department moved to Enderis Hall. It then returned to its roots, being used as a daycare center until the Campus Elementary School was built. It was then occupied by the Midwest Institute on Drug Use until 1983 when it was remodeled and turned into the UWM Art Gallery.
In 1996, the Peck School of the Arts Institute of Visual Arts took over the art gallery until 2008, when Vogel Hall was turned into the Visitor Center for UWM. Several Visitor Center details remain including a welcome sign and a Milwaukee Panthers logo. Nowadays, Vogel Hall houses UWM’s Center for Student Experience and Talent.
Seminary Buildings Historic Gallery:
Seminary Buildings Modern Gallery:
