The Dahl President's Home is the fifth in a series of presidential houses since the college’s initial move from Paxton, Ill., in 1875.
Construction work on the home began on March 1, 2004, and finished by Dec. 1, 2004. The home is approximately 5,000 square feet with a 55-foot bridge and staircase leading to the home from across the slough. The home itself includes two stories and a walk-out basement.
Hodge Construction Company of Moline, Ill., was hired for general construction work, and Gere/Dismer was hired as the architect. The total cost of the home was approximately $1.5 million, the majority of which was donated by John and Robert Dahl, sons of Art Dahl, who also established a scholarship for Augustana seniors.
The second floor and basement of the Dahl Home serve as the primary living areas for the president’s family, who take the responsibility of decorating those areas.
The first floor, however, is designed to be a main area for entertainment and alumni meetings. The decoration of the first floor features a southwest theme with 15 pieces of Native American art from the Augustana Teaching Museum of Art collection.
The house contains four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and space to host 50-80 people at a time. The house serves as a gathering place for alumni, faculty and students.