A UIHistories Project by Kalev Leetaru
 Mechanical Engineering LabThe modern Mechanical Engineering Laboratory began life as the Mechanical Engineering Building in 1905 for a cost of $25,000. The building served as both office space, with its 2-story front, and laboratory space, with its twin work bays. A laboratory and storage wing were added in 1906 and in 1910 the old University Power House was expanded and connected to the building in 1914. The north-east entrance to the building still bears the inscription "Power House" above its door. When the new Mechanical Engineering Building was constructed in 1947, the old building was renamed as the Mechanical Engineering Laboratory. Through its 40 year tenure, the building was the home of many important innovations, including the groundwork for the Holland Tunnel ventilation system and the "Smokeless Furnace". Until the early 1960's, its main bay held a steam engine developed in 1871 by Professor S. W. Robinson and his students, which "supplied power to the first shop in which instruction in the mechanic arts was given in the United States". The building was recently rennovated and is still home to offices, labs, and classrooms for the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering.
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