Fifty-three thousand square feet of Old York granite. That’s what makes up the impressive exterior of Stokes Hall North. Before you stands a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. This isn’t just a building; it’s a carefully curated piece of Boston College history.
Stokes Hall North is more than just a structure. It’s a cornerstone of Boston College’s campus. Its design pays homage to the existing Gothic architecture. This wasn’t an accident. The architects deliberately chose Old York granite. They quarried it in Maine. The goal? To create a harmonious blend of old and new. This blend reflects the university’s deep-rooted values.
The stone itself is a story. It was laid in a coursed ashlar pattern. This replicates the style of neighboring buildings. The precision is astonishing. Stones vary in height from 3 to 14 modules. Their lengths range from 5 to 32 inches. Each stone was carefully shaped and fitted. This ensured the desired aesthetic. The building also incorporated Indiana limestone. This was used for quoins arches art panels and fenestration. The selection process was thorough. The team visited the quarry. They examined the stone firsthand. They considered another granite option. Ultimately they chose Old York. The team felt it best complemented the campus’s existing buildings.
Getting the right color blend for the granite presented a huge challenge. The architects had strict demands. They specified precise proportions of reds yellows and grays. This required constant vigilance. Natural stone varies. The masons needed to achieve the perfect color balance. They had to adhere to a detailed pattern.
The result? An overwhelmingly positive response. Boston College is thrilled. The new building perfectly complements existing structures. This was a key objective from the start. Stokes Hall North is a significant achievement. It reflects Boston College’s commitment to its past. It embraces the future of the humanities. It is a symbol of quality permanence and community.