Its Main Building and Machinery Hall were designated a Chicago Landmark on May 26, 2004.

[1] The entire Academic Campus was designated as a National Register of Historic Places listing on August 12, 2005.

[4] The buildings are both Victorian era red brick and granite structures built in the Romanesque revival architecture style that were designed by Patton & Fisher and their successor firm, Patton, Fisher & Miller.

The buildings were constructed with the aid of philanthropy by Philip D. Armour Sr. On the first landing of The Main Building's main staircase there is a stained-glass window dedicated to Philip D. Armour Jr., located on the first landing.

The two buildings are located adjacent to the Dan Ryan Expressway and Chicago Transit Authority red line from which they are highly visible.