“What secrets do these walls hold?” I wonder as we stand before Edwin A. Stevens Hall. It is home to the renowned DeBaun Auditorium. This isn’t just another campus building. It’s a landmark with stories etched into its very structure.
Edwin A. Stevens Hall was built in 1870. Richard Upjohn designed it. He was famous for his Gothic style. The hall is named after Edwin Augustus Stevens. He provided the funds to establish the Stevens Institute of Technology.
DeBaun Auditorium wasn’t always a theater. Initially, it was a laboratory, a classroom and even a gym. In 1903, it transformed into the majestic theater we know today. This space has seen national meetings and countless community events.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers was founded here. That pivotal meeting took place on April 7, 1880. Imagine the discussions that shaped engineering history. They all happened right here in Edwin A. Stevens Hall.
The Stevens Dramatic Society was born in 1910. They pioneered advances in theater arts. The theater became known as the Stevens Experimental Theater. It tested sound and lighting techniques for Broadway. The first 3D movie sound system was developed here. It is a testament to the innovative spirit within these walls.
Edwin A. Stevens Hall is more than just a building. It’s a designated city landmark. It was recognized by the Hoboken Historic Preservation Committee in 1991. It is also listed in the New Jersey Register of Historic Places.
Kenneth DeBaun and his wife Grace supported the theater’s renovation. Their generosity led to the naming of the facility in their honor. DeBaun Auditorium reopened in 1998.
Today, DeBaun Auditorium is a hub for diverse activities. It is a conference center. It is an arts center. It serves students and the community alike. Educational programs thrive here.
The Edwin A. Stevens Hall continues to house the Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science. It also houses classrooms and laboratories. It serves the mechanical engineering and civil, environmental and ocean engineering departments. The Noise and Vibration Control Laboratory is also located here. It features an anechoic chamber for acoustic research.
Think about the generations of students who walked these halls. They attended classes and pursued dreams within Edwin A. Stevens Hall. This building stands as a testament to innovation, education and community. It embodies the spirit of Stevens Institute of Technology. As we move on, remember the layers of history embedded in this remarkable place.