In this section

• About the Simmons College Archives
  • College Archives Forms
• Collections and Resources
  • College Records
  • Manuscripts Collection
  • Historical Book Collections
  • Charities Collection
  • Notable Women of Simmons College Digital Scrapbook Collection
• Simmons College History
  • A Brief History of Simmons College
  • Presidents of Simmons College
  • Women of Simmons College, 1900-1920
  • Traditions of Simmons College
  • Buildings of Simmons College
  • History of Garland Junior College
• Records Management
  • Storage and Retrieval of Records
  • Records Retention Schedules
  • Electronic Records Guidelines
  • Vital Records Guidelines

Simmons College Archives

The Buildings of Simmons College
The Modern Residence Campus

Detail of a 1970 map of the Simmons College Residence Campus.

The 1950s and 1960s saw a dramatic transformation in the Residence Campus. Sx of the eight "houses" purchased by the College in the 1900s through the 1920s were demolished and large modern dormitories constructed in their places. The Class of 1956 was the last to live at the "Freshman Campus" in Brookline, as first-year students were given residence in the new dorms.

Arnold Hall, contructed in 1951, photographed from the Residence Campus in 1969.

Dix Hall, built in 1953, seen here in the background at 1955 Graduation Ceremonies.

In 1953 Simmons College built Bartol Hall, which became the students' dining commons . The Refectory was renamed Alumnae Hall in 1952 and became used as a function hall for campus social events.

This 1966 photograph shows Bartol Hall (front), Alumnae Hall, and the Colonnade facing Brookline Avenue.

The exterior of Bartol Hall, photographed in 1953 from the Residence Campus.

 

Morse Hall, photographed above in the 1960s, opened in 1953.

 

Simmons Hall, photographed in 1957 upon completion of construction.

 

Mesick Hall opened in 1961. Appleton House and Brookline House were demolished to allow for its construction.

 

Smith Hall, located at 40 Pilgrim Road, was the last of the Simmons dormitories to be built. Its construction, which began in 1963 and was completed in 1964, necessitated the demolition of Pilgrim and Longwood Houses.

 

1980 aerial image of the Residence Campus.

 

Ground was broken in 1987 for the Holmes Sports Center and construction was completed in 1989. In making way for the new facilities, the Simmons College Residence Campus underwent the most recent of its changes, beginning with the destruction of Turner and Hastings Houses.

Aerial view of the Residence Campus facing Brooikline Avenue, Holmes Sports Center in the front.

 

The College Archives is pleased to present this historical survey of the buildings of Simmons College--from the earliest classrooms, and offices in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood, through the construction of the Main College Building at 300 The Fenway, the development of the Residence Campus, and recent addiitons of academic buildings and the construction and renovation of a new library.

Join us for a tour of the Buildings of Simmons College

Early Simmons Buildings

The Main College Building

The Main Academic Campus

The Early Residence Campus and Freshman Campus

The Modern Residence Campus

The School of Social Work

The School of Management

 

Please Note: The images and text on the Simmons College Archives web site are made available for study purposes only. They may not be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the Simmons College Archives. For further information, please call 617-521-2440.

Page updated: July 8, 2008