Durfee Hall

Durfee Hall is a residential dormitory at Yale University featuring limestone walls, ornate gables, prominent turrets, and large brick chimneys that display High Victorian Gothic design. The building is arranged in suite-style accommodations with central common areas connected by hallways throughout the structure.

The building was completed in 1871 by architect Russell Sturgis Jr. and funded by Bradford M. C. Durfee from Fall River, Massachusetts. Its construction represented part of the expansion of Yale's historic core during the late 1800s.

The dormitory maintains its original purpose by housing first-year students of Morse College before their transition to different residential buildings.

Access is limited for most visitors since this serves as student housing, though the exterior can be viewed during a walk across Yale's Old Campus. The best time to observe the architecture is during daylight hours when the facade details are most visible.

The building allows residents to move between suites using central common rooms and connecting hallways without relying on external staircases. This design creates an integrated living space that differs from typical corridor-based student housing layouts.

Location: Connecticut

Inception: 1871

Architects: Russell Sturgis

Architectural style: High Victorian Gothic

Floors above the ground: 5

GPS coordinates: 41.30690,-72.92810

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:08