The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Tompkins Hall

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Tompkins Hall (front facade, including college sign), Elmira College

Tompkins Hall (front facade), Elmira College

Institution Name: Elmira College
Original/Historic Place Name: Sarah Wey Tompkins Memorial Hall
Location on Campus: Park Pl.
Date(s) of Construction:

1926	original construction Coolidge, Shepley, Bulfinch & Abbot

Designer: Coolidge, Shepley, Bulfinch & Abbott (Boston)
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Gothic revival, Other (Glossary)
Significance: education
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation:

Walls: brick, laid in English bond trimmed with Indiana limestone

Roof:

Function:

1926-present (2006)

residence hall (women)

Narrative:
Tompkins Hall remains the most beautiful dormitory at Elmira College. The use of the materials is in strict accord with charming examples of old manor houses and colleges in England. English casement windows have Gothic charm. The main towers, with their open passage of Gothic vaultings, are also impressive. The building improved the visual luxury of the campus and facilitated its growth.

References:

Barber, William Charles. Elmira College: The First Hundred Years. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1955.

Johnstone, Janette. Elmira College Old Campus. National Register of Historic Places designation report. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of the Interior/National Park Service, 1984.