CY Stephens Auditorium has always been noted as a standout building on campus, but now it is receiving statewide recognition.

Recently, the American Institute of Architects Iowa chapter agreed that Stephens is Iowa’s “Building of the Century” and Iowa’s best building of the 1960s.

Dean Morton, university architect, said the institute picked buildings all over the state that were built in the 20th century and carried characteristics of great designs.

Morton said it was no surprise that Iowa State’s facility won.

“The auditorium at the university is a great building that is very welcoming, has great acoustics and is very inspiring to other designers,” Morton said.

He said the judges were looking for buildings with designs that went against the typical designs for each given decade, inspired higher levels of design and were welcoming to the public.

Morton said the judges then chose what they believed to be the best building of each decade.

The top 10 buildings of the century were announced Oct. 14 at the institute’s convention in Des Moines. Warren Madden, vice president for business and finance, accepted the award.

Out of the 300 buildings nominated for the century, Stephens, which was completed in 1969, received the title for the ’60s, in addition to the “Building of the Century.”

Wessley Shank, professor emeritus of architecture, said he has seen the nine other buildings that were nominated for this award. He said Stephens probably won because its elegance and subtle features make it stand out.

“We have here on this campus buildings of great significance, and this award goes to show what capabilities the design department possess,” Shank said.

He said the award should be an honor for the department of architecture.

“The award should give the department of architecture a greater feeling of confidence knowing that they can design buildings of such great status,” Shank said. “[The building] has a kind of spirit that the others do not possess.”

Stephens was completely designed and built from contributions made by alumni, students, faculty member and others. Construction took place from 1966 to 1969.

The building was named after C.Y. Stephens, the man who made the largest personal monetary contribution to the project. Stephens was a 1925 graduate of Iowa State. He died in 1963 and never saw the final results of his work.