This 1870 photograph, taken shortly after its construction, clearly shows the South Hall wing attached to the rear of the Institute building. (To the left in the photograph). Note the large number of chimneys for both the main building and the wing as well as the belvedere on top of the central part of the main building. In the early years the Institute building was separated from St. George Street by a white fence.

S.G. Maus had been given a contract for $6,000.00 for the South Hall building, but there was an additional cost of $1,474.45 for excavating the cellar, cementing cisterns, and adjusting hallways in the old building. Also, a cupola was put on the new wing "for the purpose of giving the Gymnasium proper ventilation and a better appearance to the building in general." The cupola is slightly visible between the two chimneys on the South Hall wing.