Eberhardt Hall

Gazing at Eberhardt Hall, can you believe this grand Victorian structure was once an orphanage? Eberhardt Hall, the oldest building at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), sits proudly on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Originally known as the Newark Orphan Asylum, Eberhardt Hall began its life in 1857. Designed by John Welch, a founding member of the American Institute of Architects, this castle-like building was a marvel of its time. Imagine orphans roaming these halls, lit by gaslight, warmed by steam heat, and enjoying hot and cold running water – luxuries not even common in wealthy homes back then. Eberhardt Hall even boasted an early fire extinguishing system, a testament to the forward-thinking design. For nearly a century, it served as a sanctuary for Newark’s orphaned children. They lived, learned, and played within these walls, educated on the grounds and spending summers at the Mountainside Memorial Home in Westfield. The children were expected to contribute to the household during their time there, performing chores and learning trades. By 1947, the orphanage closed its doors. Newark College of Engineering, later becoming NJIT, acquired the building. It was renamed Eberhardt Hall to honor Frederick Eberhardt, a longtime trustee. In the early 2000s, Eberhardt Hall underwent a $13 million restoration, transforming into the NJIT Alumni Center. While the interior was modernized, the exterior remains largely unchanged, and the grand staircase stands as a reminder of its past. The restoration even earned the prestigious Donald T. Dust Recognition Award. Eberhardt Hall at NJIT has journeyed from a haven for children to a hub for alumni, its Gothic Victorian architecture a silent witness to the passage of time.