Newton, Massachusetts

Gasson Hall, on the Boston College campus in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, is more than just a building—it's a symbol of history and architectural brilliance.

Location Added By:

Tom Riley (GoXplr Account)

About This Location

Gasson Hall, gracing the Boston College campus in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, is more than just a building—it's a symbol of history, ambition, and architectural brilliance. This stunning edifice, designed in 1908 by Charles Donagh Maginnis, is emblematic of the rise of Collegiate Gothic architecture in North America, with its soaring towers, intricate stone carvings, and majestic presence.

The hall proudly bears the name of Thomas I. Gasson, S.J., the 13th president of Boston College, often referred to as its "second founder." Gasson’s vision for the institution was grand. In 1907, recognizing the limitations of the college’s original location in Boston's South End, he dreamed of relocating and expanding the campus. Drawing inspiration from John Winthrop's vision of Boston as a "city upon a hill," Gasson envisioned Boston College as not just an educational institution, but as a beacon of Jesuit education, radiating knowledge and spiritual guidance.

Acting swiftly on his vision, Gasson acquired the Lawrence farm on Chestnut Hill, a serene locale six miles west of bustling Boston, less than a year into his tenure. To shape the future of the campus, he organized an international competition, inviting architects to present their design concepts for the new university. After an intense evaluation of numerous remarkable entries, Charles Donagh Maginnis' idea of creating an “Oxford in America” emerged as the clear winner.

Construction began with Maginnis and his adept team laying the foundation for what was then called the “Recitation Hall”. Leveraging resources from the land itself, the hall was constructed using stone quarried directly from the site. Maginnis, understanding the importance of location, strategically positioned Gasson Hall at the zenith of Chestnut Hill. To further enhance its prominence and offer unparalleled views of Boston's skyline, a bell tower, soaring to a remarkable height of 200 feet, was incorporated into the design. By 1913, the doors of Gasson Hall opened to students and faculty.

Gasson Hall's influence extended far beyond the confines of Boston College. After Maginnis's designs were published in 1909, they received high praise from renowned American Gothicist Ralph Adams Cram. Throughout much of the 20th century, Gasson Hall's architectural prowess played a pivotal role in establishing Collegiate Gothic as the preferred architectural style on American university campuses. In fact, Gasson Hall introduced the dominating Gothic tower typology, influencing subsequent iconic structures at institutions like Princeton, Yale, and Duke.

Time has seen Boston College evolve, expand, and transform, yet Gasson Hall has remained steadfast, a constant reminder of the college's rich history and lofty ambitions. Today, the hall is a bustling center of academic and administrative activities, housing study rooms, banquet halls, classrooms, and offices. Its enduring popularity among students, faculty, and visitors attests to its timeless appeal, cementing its status as the crowning jewel of Boston College.

Location Features

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Locations

Address:
140 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, Massachusetts

GPS Coordinates:
42.335647, -71.170512
Directions to location:
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Directions to parking area:
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Parking Notes:
There is a parking lot next to Gasson Hall, but it is often limited to faculty. There is parking along Commonwealth Avenue which is only a short walk from the building. Additionally, visitors can pay to park in the Commonwealth Avenue Garage.

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