Stimson Hall History

Completed in 1922, Stimson Hall was named after former regent Fred S. Stimson. Stimson initially housed 257 men and is the oldest extant men’s residence hall on campus. This building is among architect Rudolph Weaver’s seven structures at WSU.

This U-shaped, red brick building is a pleasing mixture of the Colonial and Renaissance Revival Styles popular in the 1920s. It has retained its architectural integrity to a marked degree. The cupola and thirteen dormers with tracery windows remain intact as do the bay windows and arched door at the entry level. Charming arched walkthroughs at the inner corners of the U provided convenient access and frame the views beyond.

Classical symmetry and a sunny, south-facing orientation combine to make Stimson Hall the most inviting of the residence halls. Stimson was closed in 1983 for rehabilitation. Because of its location in the midst of the campus core, it was considered for conversion to office space. To date, retention of Stimson Hall as residential space continues to be upheld and working drawings for its residential rehabilitation are being prepared.

Alumni have demonstrated great loyalty to Stimson. This popularity is due to a unique form of student government and the physical layout of the hall with its bed and study sites. Upperclassmen moved upstairs to coveted quiet space on the top floor.

Today, Stimson still serves as a men’s residence hall.

<gallery> image: Stimson1935.jpg|Stimson Hall in 1935. Photo courtesy of WSU Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections. image: Stimson1930.jpg|Stimson Hall in 1930. Photo courtesy of WSU Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections. image: stimsonminervawaterfountain2006.jpg| The Minerva water fountain outside of Stimson Hall in 2006. Photo courtesy of WSU. image: Stimsoninterior1928.jpg|Interior of Stimson as pictured in 1928. Photo courtesy of WSU Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections.