Was it always the intention for Eifrig Hall to be a place of student housing? It stands as a reminder of the University of Chicago’s commitment to providing its students with more than just classrooms. Let’s step back in time and explore the story of this building.
Eifrig Hall is more than just a residence. It is a piece of the University of Chicago’s history. It shows the evolution of student life on campus.
The University of Chicago has seven residence halls divided into 48 houses. Each house hosts around 70 students. Eifrig Hall is one of these halls, contributing to the on-campus living experience. Freshmen and sophomores must live on campus. Limited on-campus housing is available for juniors and seniors. The university also manages 28 apartment buildings near campus for graduate students. In 2014, over half of the undergraduates lived in college-owned housing.
The first residence halls were Gates-Blake and Goodspeed Halls. They opened in 1892. Henry Ives Cobb designed them. They served as dormitories for divinity school and graduate students. These buildings show Chicago Gothic architecture. They have oriels along their facades and gables along the roof lines. Foster Hall was the first women’s dorm. It opened in 1893 but became offices in the early 1960s.
Burton-Judson Courts is another notable residence hall. It is located south of the Midway Plaisance. It has a neo-Gothic style similar to the university’s main quadrangles. Zantzinger, Borie, and Medary designed it. Carl Sagan lived here.
Campus North Residential Commons, or “North”, replaced Pierce Tower. Built between 2013 and 2016, it accommodates about 800 students. It also includes a dining hall. Studio Gang Architects designed it.
The International House fosters relationships between students from different countries. It was created in 1932. John D. Rockefeller Jr. gifted it. Langston Hughes and Enrico Fermi once lived here. It hosts many cultural events. About 40,000 people have lived there since it opened.
In the early 2000s, there was an attempt to close the International House. The university wanted to convert it into a Business School dormitory. This resulted in large student protests and a lawsuit. The administration reversed its decision and allowed the International House to remain open.
Max Palevsky Residential Commons, or “Max P”, opened in 2001. Ricardo Legorreta designed the buildings. Three buildings constitute the Commons. Students are assigned to one of eight houses.
The Renee Granville-Grossman Residential Commons, or “Renee”, opened in 2009. It was rededicated in 2015 after a large donation. It is split into East and West sections.
Snell-Hitchcock Hall is located on the main campus quad. Built in 1892 and 1901, they are the oldest residence halls still in use. They are known for their community spirit.
Woodlawn Residential Commons is the largest student dormitory on campus. It accommodates about 1,300 students. It is notable for not being owned by the university itself.
Eifrig Hall continues to play its role in the university’s housing system. It adapts to the changing needs of its students. It stands as a testament to the University of Chicago’s ongoing commitment to residential life.