Forbes College, residential college at Princeton University
Forbes College is a residential college at Princeton University in New Jersey that was originally built as a hotel by architect Andrew Jackson Thomas in the 1920s. The complex includes the original Main Inn building, a newer wing added after World War II, connecting structures, and additional houses such as the Pink House that accommodate students.
The building was constructed as a hotel in the 1920s and served as a popular destination for visitors and relatives of university students. Princeton University purchased the property in 1970 and converted it into a residential college in 1984, naming it after the father of Steve Forbes.
Forbes College is called home by students who refer to themselves as 'Innmates', a playful reference to its origins in a former hotel building. This name reflects how the place's past is woven into the everyday identity and community spirit of those who live there.
The college provides students with access to dining halls, libraries, theaters, and cafes, many of which are connected by covered or internal passages. Visitors should note that most facilities are located within the main buildings, making navigation and access convenient regardless of weather conditions.
The original hotel was a popular lodging place for visitors and relatives of students during campus visits. This historical function is still visible in the architecture, which retains many private bathrooms and comfortable rooms that were typical of hotel accommodations.
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