Discovering Brown University’s Dormitory Legacy: A Journey from University Hall to Brook Street

For students eyeing campus living next year, the housing lottery is happening this week. Since 1770, when University Hall was built as Brown’s first dorm, many students have called College Hill home. The Herald explored how student housing has evolved over 250 years at Brown.

The Early Days of Student Housing

Brown University began as Rhode Island College in 1764 and moved to College Hill in 1770. The first dorm was University Hall, which housed students above classrooms. Martha Mitchell, an archivist at Brown for over 50 years, noted this history in her Encyclopedia Brunoniana. Sadly, the construction of University Hall relied on funds linked to slavery, revealing a dark chapter in the school’s history.

University Hall served students until 1925 and was renovated multiple times, ultimately becoming a fully administrative building in 1939. In a nostalgic reflection, former Provost Samuel Arnold described the early dorms as “barren,” with second-hand furniture adding to their charm (or lack thereof).

Expanding Options: A Shift in Student Life

As Brown grew, so did its housing options. Hope College, built in 1822, was the first dedicated entirely to student living, funded by Nicholas Brown in memory of his sister. By the mid-20th century, buildings like Maxcy Hall and Richardson Hall no longer served students, transitioning to house departments instead. Maxcy Hall, built in 1895, had a colorful past, as reports from the time mentioned it became a setting for “interclass fights” among students.

Increased campus expansion in the 1950s led to the construction of Wriston and Keeney Quadrangles. These developments drastically changed student life, with hundreds more living on campus than ever before. By 1957, about 91% of first-year students lived on campus, a significant increase from just 80% a year earlier. The new dining hall, Sharpe Refectory, became a bustling hub for students.

However, this expansion wasn’t without controversy. The transformation led to tensions over space usage, as fraternities began to dominate certain dormitories. Only a few years later, changes made certain halls exclusive to fraternity members, leading to increased complaints from other students about the lack of mixed housing.

Pembroke College and Gender Integration

Brown also opened Pembroke College in 1891 as a women-only institution, providing on-campus housing starting in 1900. Many of Pembroke’s students lived in buildings like Hallworth House and Miller Hall. By the late 1960s, Pembroke made headlines as it began to integrate dorms, with the first coed living arrangements introduced in 1969. Kaplan, a former student, fondly recalled his experience at Diman Hall, appreciating the social atmosphere and vibrant community.

As more women began to share space with men, debates about coed living arose. In 1972, the then-University President acknowledged both the challenges and benefits these living situations could bring. By the mid-1970s, with new dormitories under construction, the campus increasingly embraced shared living spaces.

Modern Developments and Current Landscape

Fast forward to today, Brown continues to evolve. Recent years have brought new dormitories, like the Wellness Residential Experience and the Brook Street residence halls opening in 2023. These buildings reflect an emphasis on sustainability and community, as seen in the unique offerings designed for addressing students’ needs. For example, Chen Family Hall focuses on spiritual life and civic engagement, showcasing how student housing can adapt to contemporary priorities.

Student feedback on the newer housing options has been overwhelmingly positive. Faith Chen ’26 shared her excitement over the quality of housing, feeling fortunate compared to some of the less luxurious options of the past. As Brown continues to grow, the story of student living at the university remains a testament to its rich history and commitment to meeting the needs of its evolving student body.

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