Root Hall Renovation

The renovated building will create a new home for Africana Studies, Classics, Religious Studies, and Women and Gender Studies that will include 20 offices, five classrooms, four meeting spaces, and additional areas for meeting, sharing, and learning together.

Root Hall, a four-story building in the center of campus, was originally constructed in 1897 and was designed by Carrère and Hastings, the architecture firm famed for their design of the New York Public Library. The renovation, which began in March 2022 and is expected to reopen to students for the spring 2024 semester, was made possible thanks to the Because Hamilton campaign.

Accessibility

The renovation includes adding an accessible entrance on the west side of the building, installing a new elevator to provide access to every floor, and accessible restrooms on all levels.

Sustainability

Root Hall will have a new insulated roof, new energy efficient windows, LED lighting, and geothermal wells for heating and cooling.