To solve financial problems, the new buildings were leased as the headquarters of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (also known as the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair). Academic use of the new site began immediately after the Fair with services in the chapel on January 30, 1905. The delay caused by the Fair allowed the university to construct ten buildings instead of the seven originally planned.
The new structures were leased as the main office for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (also referred to as the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair) in order to resolve financial difficulties. Academic activities began at the site immediately after the event, with services starting in the chapel on January 30, 1905. The delay allowed the university to build ten buildings instead of the original seven.