Since 1913, Addison Hall has welcomed generations of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors—serving as the heart of the River Forest campus. This year, Concordia University Chicago honored the building's historic roots with the completion of exterior renovations and the opening of a new Welcome Center, located inside.  

To commemorate the milestone, the Concordia-Chicago community gathered Friday, Sept. 18, for a blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony on the Addison Pillars Lawn.  

“Today is not simply a ribbon-cutting for a renovated hallway,” said Dr. Jamie Kowalczyk, vice president for strategic operations and chief of staff. “It is the visible start of Concordia-Chicago's bold future. Addison Hall is our oldest and most storied building. It’s the physical and historic anchor of this campus.” 

Funded through a capital grant from the Illinois Board of Higher Education, the project broke ground in July 2025. Renovations include a restored porch space and entry staircase to highlight the building's architectural charm and a refreshed lobby area, complete with a welcome kiosk staffed by student ambassadors and new University signage.  

Central to the renovation plan was the Welcome Center space, which includes a waiting area to receive visitors and meeting rooms where prospective students and their families connect with admissions counselors. Together, these elements ensure that each visitor can experience the Christian hospitality and warmth of CUC from the moment they walk through the building's iconic, pillared entrance. 

“We wanted a space that reflected the University and the great experience that awaits students,” said University President Dr. Russell P. Dawn, who noted the renovation was designed to tell the University's story.

At the center of that story is the new crucifix that hangs front and center in the hall’s atrium.

“That welcome is intentional,” said Kowalczyk. “It is a declaration. Christ at the Center is not a marketing tagline. It is our living identity.”