Home Economics Building

The Home Economics Building is a red brick academic structure at Vanderbilt University featuring marble floors, decorative window treatments, and classical columns. Inside are classrooms, faculty offices, and an attached greenhouse that still serves current educational programs.

The structure was constructed in 1912 and began operating in 1914 under the name Household Arts Building. It was later renamed to reflect changes in how universities labeled their programs.

The building reflects an era when universities established household and consumer sciences as formal academic disciplines. Visitors can observe how such practical subjects were integrated within academic spaces.

The building is easy to locate in the heart of campus and stands out with its red brick exterior. The attached greenhouse is visible from outside, making it straightforward to explore the different areas.

In the early 1900s, the building's Assembly Room served as emergency storage for thousands of books when library space ran short. This unusual use shows how universities creatively managed space constraints.

Inception: 1912

Architects: Ludlow and Peabody

GPS coordinates: 36.14310,-86.79750

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:25