Bemis Hall (Colorado Springs, Colorado)

Introduction

Text-to-speech Audio

This 1908 women's dormitory was one of the first buildings constructed for Colorado Springs, Colorado College. This Tudor-Revival style building was made possible through significant contributions from General William Jackson Palmer, founder of Colorado Springs and Medal of Honor Recipient, and Judson Bemis, a major manufacturer who moved to the city in 1881. The hall bears the latter's name, as well as for his daughter, Alice, who was also a major benefactor of the college. The hall is now used to host lectures, conferences, lunches and shows.

Images

Bemis Hall as it looks today

Bemis Hall shortly after it was completed

Circa 1920s. Bemis Hall is seen in background, center-right

Portrait of Alice Bemis Taylor, namesake of the hall. Portrait found in hall

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

This ignimbrite, a Colorado volcanic rock, structure was constructed in 1908 to offer the college's female students with safe living spaces with modern amenities, that were also scenes for social events. The hall was funded by the founder of Colorado Springs (who had helped with other buildings on campus), General William Palmer and Judson Bemis, a major manufacturer and local philanthropist. The latter's daughter, Alice, was also a benefactor of the college and was honored by having the hall named after her. The architect was Denver-based Maurice Biscoe.

The hall is located in the residential quadrangle that faces the main quad. The hall sits near the Ticknor, McGregor, and Montgomery halls. All these buildings showcase the city's ties with New England and with prestigious British colleges such as Oxford and Cambridge.

In the 1990s, the hall was restored and renovated through grants and funds given by the college and the Colorado Historical Fund. No longer a dorm, the hall is now used for social and educational events such as lectures, shows, conferences and lunches.

Sources

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