Step inside Myles Standish Hall. Its imposing presence speaks volumes. This magnificent structure wasn’t always a Boston University dormitory. Once upon a time it was the Myles Standish Hotel a luxurious haven opened in 1928.
Myles Standish Hall enjoyed a prime location. It stood near Kenmore Square’s trolley station in Boston’s burgeoning Back Bay neighborhood. It was considered one of the world’s finest hotels. Imagine the elegance. Think the finest amenities.
Its proximity to Fenway Park made it a magnet. Baseball teams frequently stayed there. The legendary Babe Ruth was a regular guest. He even had a favorite suite suite 818. He requested it every time he visited.
The Great Depression threatened to shutter the hotel. Charles Newton its manager skillfully steered it to success. He transformed it into a fashionable apartment hotel. He left when the hotel was sold in 1943.
World War II veterans flooded universities. Boston University needed more student housing. They purchased Myles Standish Hall. They converted it into a men’s dormitory in 1949.
Myles Standish Hall broke barriers. In 1970 it became BU’s first dorm to allow 24/7 guests of any gender. A progressive move for its time.
Structural issues forced a temporary closure. The university found alternative housing in 1973. Myles Standish Hall reopened in 1974.
In 1979 the university expanded the hall. They bought a nearby building annexing it to Myles. This created the Myles Annex now fully integrated after a major renovation.
A two-year renovation transformed Myles Standish Hall. This extensive project from 2016 to 2018 completely rebuilt the interior. It cost a staggering $115 million.
The building’s unusual shape is notable. Built on an oddly shaped plot its design resembles a ship’s prow. This unique shape creates unconventional floor plans.
Today Myles Standish Hall is a vibrant co-educational dorm. It houses 730 students in various suite configurations. Its unique history echoes in its halls. It’s a testament to Boston’s ever-evolving landscape. It stands as a landmark. It’s a symbol of Boston University’s rich legacy. And it continues to shape the lives of countless students.