The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Durfee Hall

Click on image titles for larger views.

Institution Name: Hope College
Original/Historic Place Name: Winifred Hackley Durfee Hall for Women
Location on Campus: 114 E. Tenth St.
Date(s) of Construction:

1950	original construction

Designer: unknown
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Modern/post-WWII (Glossary)
Significance: architecture, history
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: poured cement

Walls: block with brick fascia

Roof: EPDM with stone or paver ballast

Function:

ca. 1958	residence hall (women)
ca. 2004-present (2006)	residence hall (men)
ca. 2004-present (2006)	other (Center for Information Technology)

Narrative:
Durfee Hall was built as a residence hall in 1950 and honors Winifred Hackley Durfee, Dean of Women at Hope from 1909 to 1936. It now also provides space for the college's computer services.

Architecturally the building reflects post-war modernism, stressing a flat roof and an absence of decoration. The building is significant as an example of modernist anonymity and internationalism, utilizing an economy of means and foregoing Dutch Renaissance decoration, such as is seen in the neighboring Lubbers Hall.

References:

Bruins, Elton J., and Larry J. Wagenaar. Campus Alive: A Walking Tour of Hope College. Holland, MI: Hope College, 1999.

Stegenga, Preston J. Anchor of Hope: The History of an American Denominational Institution, Hope College. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 1954.

Wichers, Wynand. A Century of Hope: 1866-1966. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 1966.