The Administration Building was originally constructed as the college’s first dormitory, first dining facility and classrooms on the current campus. Before the construction of the college’s first dormitory, known today as the Administration Building, students were housed at the Original School building on Mason or, as it was called then, Winchester Square that also housed the Armory YMCA. Construction began on the dormitory (Administration Building) the last week in April of 1895 and the corner stone of the building was laid on Friday, May 10th, 1895 with President Charles H. Barrows officiating. The dedication took place on June 17th, 1896, at which President Barrows introduced the college’s forth President, Laurence L. Doggett.

Consummating the transfer to the new campus, the completion of the new dormitory (Administration Building) in January 1896 was a milestone in Springfield College history. Just five years earlier the trustees had authorized the purchase of the Bowles-Alexander Estate and the authority to erect buildings on the property. With the erection of the first building, the East gymnasium (1894), and the new dormitory (Administration), Springfield College began to lay permanent roots on the land along Lake Massasoit. With the completion of the Administration Building, the college began the tradition of housing students on the main campus and likewise the students established traditions, friendships, and a home along Lake Massasoit.

In 1943, the dormitory did not meet the city’s fire safety codes. In order to meet fire safety codes and house the administration offices of the Naval Convalescent Hospital the following year, the dormitory was reduced from four floors to two floors, with a flat roof on the second story. The renovations and remodeling that took place from 1943-1944, leaving the building visually the same way that it looks today, as a two-story Administration building.

1895 04/16/1895 Contracts close for the dormitory building construction

1895 Last week of April: Ground broken for dormitory construction

1895 Friday, May 10th The corner stone for the dormitory laid by F.B Pratt of the International Committee with Charles H. Barrows officiating.

1896 January construction ends and dormitory complete

1896 06/17/1896 The new dormitory was dedicated. President Barrows introduced the new President Doggett

1938 Sprinklers added to the new dormitory building

1943 The Administration building is officially condemned for use as a dormitory by the State Department of Public Safety. Property Committee voted that improvements need to be made on the Old Dormitory/Administration building, which did not meet with city/state fire safety codes and top two floors need to be strengthened. Committee votes that Mr. Dibbles plan to remodel the building be recommended for adoption.

1944 The Executive Committee votes to obtain a contract with Naval Authorities in Boston to use the Administration building. The plan for renovation was revoked and Mr. Holmes proposal that the dormitory be reduced to two floors with a flat roof on the second story is adopted. Committee votes authorization to make the change.

1944 June: E.J Pinney Company, Inc. General Contractors agrees to make changes to the dormitory in 60 days to be ready for the US Navy. Contract signed and the dormitory is reduced to two floors within two months.