Warren Administration

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Warren Administration Building took place on February 8, 1946, and in June 25, 1947, the College’s administrative offices moved into Warren Hall from Carnegie Hall. Located on the north side of Holt Avenue facing Knowles Memorial Chapel, the Warren Building was constructed as a part of the Victory Expansion Program (VEP), which sought to increase the number of buildings on the Rollins campus to accommodate the returning GIs from World War II. Mrs. George E. Warren (’35H) of Boston, daughter of Frances B. Knowles (1823-1890), donated $123,000 toward the construction of the building. In 1954, the trustees voted to name the Administration Building Warren Hall in honor of Mrs. George E. Warren. 

The interior of Warren

President's Office in Warren

In addition to financing the Warren Administration Building, Mrs. Warren was the primary donor of the Knowles Memorial Chapel, named in honor of her father, a charter trustee of the College and a pioneer developer of Winter Park. At the request of the donor, the building was designed by George E. Spohn and constructed by Harry C. Cone. This Mediterranean-styled structure houses the offices of the president, vice presidents, and treasurer among others. Trimmed in cast stone, the 9,444-square-foot building is made of concrete wit a roof of hollow tiles. Because of its original color, the Warren Administration Building was nicknamed the “Pink Palace” by Rollins students.

Postcard