Tag Archives: Rev. John P. McNichols

The Construction of Lansing-Reilly

One of the first buildings erected on the McNichols campus was Lansing-Reilly Hall, but that was not the first name of the building. At first it was simply the “Faculty Building” since that was the residence for the Jesuit faculty on campus. It was later christen McNichols Hall in 1951, in honor of Fr. John P. McNichols, who was president of the University during the 1924-28 building program. The name “McNichols Hall” actually started much earlier. There are various stories...

Before there was a UDMercy McNichols campus-some of the early residents and workers

Back in the early 1800′s, the site that is currently the McNichols campus of University of Detroit Mercy, was a swamp surrounded by tamaracks, willows and cranberry bushes. The land was drained and cleared to be converted into truck farms. These are some of the early residents and workers in the area before some of the land was purchased by Father McNichols for $120,000 back in 1921. Other sections of the campus were either gifted or purchased a bit later....

Ringing in a Happy New Year in 1922 at University of Detroit

The beginning of 1922 started out with grand plans for the new location for the University of Detroit on Livernois, 42 acres which was recently purchased under the presidency of Reverend John P. McNichols, S.J. One of the first buildings built was the stadium, which was expected to seat 75,000, but was later scaled back to seat 20,000.  Oh well, a new year, a new location and high hopes for the future of the University of Detroit. In the 1921-1922...