Ready to unravel the secrets of Kerr Hall North? Kerr Hall is more than just a building. It’s a landmark with a history. It’s a maze that many students find themselves lost in.
Kerr Hall North stands as part of a series of four buildings. These buildings form a square. They surround Ryerson Community Park. This park is also known as the Quad. Kerr Hall sits on the site of the former Toronto Normal School. All but a portion of the Normal School’s front façade was demolished. This demolition happened in the late 1950s. It allowed for Kerr Hall’s construction.
The current Kerr Hall building arose from the early 1960s to 1969. Architect Burwell R. Coon designed it. Until 1963, Kerr Hall surrounded the Toronto Normal School site. Kerr Hall is named after Ryerson’s first principal. That principal was Howard Hillen Kerr.
Lost in Kerr Hall? You are not alone. Many students share stories of getting lost. The building’s confusing layout is legendary. Some classroom numbers are out of order. Manipulative pathways exist. Strict signs are missing. One student shared that he would find himself walking in circles for minutes. He was trying to find his class. Some buildings do not connect to each other.
Kerr Hall’s history goes back further. The land was once a swampy plot. Egerton Ryerson bought it in 1849 for 4,500 pounds. He intended to build a teachers’ college there. This became the Upper Canada Normal School. It housed classrooms and the Council of Public Instruction chamber. It also had a theater and an art gallery. Gardens surrounded the school.
During the Second World War, the Normal School became a war training center. It served as dormitories and drill halls. After the war, it became a training institute for veterans.
In 1948, Howard Hillen Kerr took office. He became the first Principal of Ryerson Institute of Technology. Kerr planned to make Ryerson the “MIT of Canada.” The Normal School became Ryerson Hall. It served as the main building until the late 1950s. Kerr Hall replaced Ryerson Hall between 1958 and 1963. Only the front door and façade remain from the original Normal School.
Kerr’s term lasted from 1948 to 1966. He focused on the quality of education. He wanted to evolve technology and democracy. Kerr aimed to offer vocational competence and cultural wisdom. He introduced early childhood education, journalism, nursing, and engineering. He ran a strict school. He had the final say on all matters. Students represented the institution. They were to conduct themselves accordingly. Kerr earned the title “the lion.”
The northwest corner of Kerr Hall North houses The Creative School Chrysalis. This was formerly the Ryerson Theatre. The 1,237-seat auditorium hosts live productions and lectures. It also holds film shoots and convocations. The Chrysalis has hosted film premieres. These include The Princess Bride in 1987 and Borat in 2006. It also hosted the 1976 Juno Awards.
Not all four of Kerr Hall’s buildings connect on all floors. You cannot pass through the Theatre. You also cannot pass through the ground floor of Kerr Hall South.
Navigating Kerr Hall can be challenging. Yet, understanding its past adds a layer of appreciation to this complex building. As you explore Kerr Hall North, remember its evolution. Think about the students who navigated its halls before you. Consider the legacy of Howard Hillen Kerr. He shaped this institution. Getting lost might just become part of your journey through its rich history.