Betsy Barbour House, Female residence hall at University of Michigan, United States
Betsy Barbour House is a female residence hall at the University of Michigan designed by architect Albert Kahn with traditional architectural details. The building features multiple lounges and kitchenettes across its floors and houses 83 students in residential spaces.
The residence was established in 1920 when Levi Barbour decided to create housing for international students after witnessing the hardship some faced. This decision led to founding the Barbour Scholarship, which supported women students from Asia.
The building preserves original furnishings from the Barbour family home, including Betsy's rocking chair displayed in the first-floor reception room. These personal objects connect visitors to the family whose generosity shaped student life here.
The building sits centrally near campus on South State Street and connects to the adjacent Helen Newberry House through a dedicated passageway. Visitors can explore the residence when public spaces are open and enjoy the traditional architecture and displayed furnishings throughout the building.
The project originated from a personal tragedy when a Japanese student died from tuberculosis while living in inadequate housing on campus. This moment deeply affected Levi Barbour and shaped his lasting commitment to supporting international students at the university.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
