Orlando Hall

The groundbreaking ceremony on May 24, 1947

Orlando Hall dedication on April 6, 1949

Orlando Hall is located in the heart of Rollins’ campus among the Olin Library, Carnegie Hall, and Mills Memorial Center.  The two-story building was built to solidify the cooperative relationship between the Central Florida community and Rollins College. The construction of the 3,809-square-foot building resulted largely from the donations of the Orlando community. The fund raising efforts were also part of the Rollins’ Victory Expansion Program, which sought to address the increasing demand for higher education of the post-World War II era. George E. Spohn was the architect and Harry C. Cone the contractor. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on May 24, 1947, and the dedication on April 6, 1949. The cost of the construction neared $75,000, in addition to $10,000 for furnishings.

With concrete stucco and tiled roof, the exterior appearance of the two-story building is in Spanish-Mediterranean style. Orlando Hall is connected by loggias to Sullivan House and Woolson House. Internally, Orlando Hall is structured with six large classrooms and twelve small office rooms for the English professors. The classrooms are specifically designed for the Rollins conference plan of instruction where students sit around a large, oval table. During its early days, the building also served as a late-night study area, where students could find comfortable and quiet space at nighttime. The Department of English has used the building throughout its existence.