[2] Construction was started in 1904 after years of planning and fundraising, however, was halted in 1905 when funds ran out.

After sitting uncompleted for two years, Laverne Noyes agreed to fund the cost to complete the building with the a few conditions: Until 1914, the building housed the campus' only swimming pool and in 1917 it was used as an infirmary for the flu epidemic.

The Alumni Association also relocated to the Memorial Union and the Alumni Hall was used as an administration building for the Naval Training School during World War II.

After the Navy moved out in 1944, the building continued to house the YMCA, YWCA, and served as dormitories.

In 1986, the Iowa Board of Regents granted ISU approval to acquire the building from the Alumni Hall Corporation Board of Directors and in 1987, the last residents moved out and a $2.1 million historic remodeling was undertaken.