[3] The Eastern Michigan University Historic District is set on an "L-shaped parcel" of land across from the Ypsilanti Water Tower (also on the NRHP).

After The EMU Student Center opened, McKenny closed in 2006 for renovations to preserve the building's age.

Sherzer Hall is classroom building, which currently also houses Art Department studios.

The observatory, originally located on Pierce Hall, was hit by a tornado and destroyed in 1893.

Originally built for the Student Christian Association by a local philanthropist, Mrs. Starkweather.

[8] In parts of the building, the original doorknobs remain, bearing the initials "SCA" for the Student Christian Association.

Starkweather is a red-brick exteriors with random Ashlar and clay tile cladding.

[11] The program started under the guidance of Robert Holkeboer who was the dean of the Graduate School.

Due to poor maintenance the building was closed during the 1980s and almost demolished, but was saved by the "Don't Squelsh Welsh" movement originating in the university's historic preservation program.

Welch has red-brick exteriors while Starkweather Hall has random ashlar masonry and clay tile cladding.

Sherzer's no-nonsense exterior has a few mildly Romanesque and Georgian elements but defies stylistic classification, McKenny Hall's detailing is Art Deco but the structure alone is Tudor Revival.