The original University Hall was constructed by Sioux Falls architect Wallace L. Dow in a mixed architectural style, but with undoubtable Scandinavian influence.

[2] It consists of a central three-story building, the main door facing south, with two-story wings on its east and west sides.

It was constructed from pink quartzite taken from a quarry near Sioux Falls and sandstone trim along the windows, doors, and corners of the building.

Friezes, box cornices, and brackets adorn the exterior of the building, mainly made out of stamped sheet metal.

University Hall was the first building in the former Dakota Territory to be specifically built for an institution of higher public education.