Saint Benet Hall

Building Chronology (1921-1923)

Architect: John T. Comes, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Contractor: Gauger-Korsmo Construction Company, St. Paul, Minnesota

Dates: 1921; renovated 1996-1999

Saint Benet Hall, named for Saint Benedict (founder of  Western Monasticism), was constructed in 1921 and was the first building constructed for the exclusive use of students. This five-story brick structure, in a mixture of Spanish and Romanesque architecture, is 142 by 48 feet and cost $150,000. In the original arrangement, the basement and first floor contained recreational facilities (bowling alleys, lounges and handball courts). The second floor featured two study halls and a classroom. The third and fourth floors were divided into spaces for furnished rooms with east and west exposures. The top floor was the dormitory. In 1931, a reading room was added to provide a place to study for the students. A 1937 renovation project saw the basement remodeled (the bowling alleys were removed and the area was turned into student rooms and lounges). In 1987 major renovations were proposed for Saint Benet Hall. Among the list of improvements were adding sound proofing to the rooms, replacing sinks, new closets and bookshelves, increasing natural lighting, and air conditioning. The plans were completed in 1999. Saint Benet Hall is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Bibliography

"Benet Hall, 1922-1947, Jubilee for Dorm." The Record, 4 December 1947, p.4.

Flynn, Gabriel. "Committee to Examine Renovations to Benet Hall." The Record, 8 October 1987, p.3.

Holscher, M.A. "Recommendations Submitted for Benet Renovation." The Record, 3 December 1987, p.3.

Schroeder, Michael. "Original Benet Residents Formed Friendships." The Record, 8 November 1990, p.7.