SketchUp Model: Ross Administration Building

{This post is still in draft status and will be updated/corrected soon} Among my many hobbies, I also like to revisit my original vocation: drafting and design. For several years I was heavily involved in the use of AutoCAD and 3D Studio. I even co-authored several books. My career took a detour about 10 years ago and I have since forgotten many of my AutoCAD skills; however, I still like to revisit and dabble in 3D modeling.

When Google SketchUp was released, I was elated. Finally, a powerful, free (pro version available) and easy modeling package that both hobbyist and professionals can use. I dove into the software, purchased a couple of books and viewed all the online tutorials I could find. When it comes to 3D modeling, there is no easier package than Google SketchUp.

As I identified potential hobbyist models, a goal was to create a model that I would submit to the Google SketchUp 3D Warehouse. I also wanted that model to be accepted into the Google Earth 3D Building Layer. The Ross Administration Building on our campus seemed to be the perfect model.

View the rest of the Tech Note to learn more and to see more images of the model.

Model Statistics:
File size = 3.2Mb
3D Warehouse = Submitted December 20th, 2011
3D Warehouse URL = http://goo.gl/7L8UH
Google Earth Submission = December 20th, 2011
Google Earth Accepted = January 5th, 2012
Textures = iPhone 4 images reduced and modified in Pixelmator

Model Animation:
Below is an animation that shows all sides of the model.

Animation exported from SketchUp and uploaded to YouTube

Google Earth Image:

If accepted,  The image below demonstrates how the model appears when Google Earth users “happen upon” the virtual building.

Preview in Google Earth: hopefully this will become an addition to the 3D Building Layer

Sanatorium History (1930-1961):
The poster below hangs in the lobby of the Ross Administration Building and provides a brief history to visitors. Click the image for a larger view. The text from the poster is also below:

The William Ross Sanatorium received its first patients in June 1930, one year after Mr. and Mrs David L. Ross donated a 60-acre site and $140,000 to Tippecanoe County, and signed a contract with A. R. Hunnicutt Co. of Union City to erect the structure. Walter Scholer Sr. designed the building after extensive consultation with medical authorities and heads of other tuberculosis hospitals in an effort to create a modern facility. 

Prior to 1930, there was little provision for the care of tuberculosis patients. When fresh-air treatment was thought to be best, they were “hospitalized” in miserable backyard shacks set up by the Tuberculosis Association. Before that, patients were taken to the State Sanatorium at Rockville and, further back in the 1920s, to Fort Wayne. 

Because of the cost and distance of other hospitals, there was a need for a local sanatorium. Entirely through the philanthropy of Mr. and Mrs. David L. Ross, the Lafayette sanatorium became possible. Almost immediately, there appeared a decrease in the ravages of tuberculosis. The death rate decreased, as did the morbidity of those having the disease. 

The original Board of Managers contended that simply housing patients and isolating them was not sufficient. They considered it essential that good food, good nursing care and the most modern method of treatment should be available. Furthermore, the board felt that the appearance of the hospital, inside and out, should be kept to a high standard. 

The functions of a tuberculosis hospital included the diagnosis, isolation, care and treatment of those affected with the disease. Originally, it was thought that 25 beds would be sufficient. That number was raised to 40 and eventually, beds were placed in waiting rooms to accommodate 44 patients. Sanatorium stays lasted from six months to many years. 

William Ross Sanatorium closed its doors on January 31, 1961. during the 31 years it was in operation, a total of 1,211 patients were treated for tuberculosis.

College History (1967–Present)
Coming Soon.