First Look: A Renovated Eaton Hall

The historic building opens its doors to reveal a dramatic transformation

As Eaton Hall prepares to open its doors for classes this week, students are likely to be delighted and surprised by a comprehensive, two-year renovation that has breathed new life into the storied landmark. 

The renovation reflects a synthesis of pragmatic and imaginative scope that improves functionality, sustainability, and accessibility. At the same time, it dramatically improves how the building is organized, introduces a vibrant interplay of color and light, and thoughtfully preserves architectural details of the original 1908 Eaton Library.

The glass-class addition as shown in the photo above is a grand gesture that elevates Eaton’s presence on the Academic Quad and provided a new "front" to the building. This new centerpiece serves to connect the two “bookends” that merged to form Eaton: the original library building and a 1950 addition. “When you look at Eaton today from the Quad, and even after you enter, you will know you’ve arrived,” says Heidi Sokol, senior campus planner. 

The biggest shift to an existing interior space transforms the former reading room (most recently a computer lab) into flexible, multiuse spaces. A vertically retractable wall now can divide the space in two: an 80-seat classroom and a 126-seat room for Admissions information sessions. When the wall is up, Tufts has a new 4,000 square foot room that can accommodate up to 280 people for special events. Eaton also retains 12 classrooms/seminar rooms that now meet accessibility codes, inclusion standards, and technology expectations. 

What Sokol calls “breathing room” helps to enhance the experience for students and faculty. Small breakout spaces for studying (and with flexible furniture for collaborating) add options and open up opportunities, which did not exist previously, for students and faculty to meet and work together. 

Another priority: Aesthetics that reinforce a welcoming experience. Sokol pointed out that the glass addition enclosed a courtyard and essentially transformed it into inviting, naturally lit interior spaces that interact with the Academic Quad outside.

“I think people will really feel a sense of place they couldn’t feel before," said Sokol. "Whether you're in the entrance lobby or on the third floor open space looking out over the Quad… you feel actually a part of the Quad because it's right there in front of you.”

Measures that reduce energy use contribute to a more energy-efficient Eaton. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems were all replaced for energy efficiency and to support the university’s sustainability goals, said Jennifer Whitney, senior capital project manager. 

“Energy-saving has been important every step of the way,” said Whitney, noting that, for example, radiant flooring proved as the best choice for heating the entryway. The floor structure was also insulated to reduce footfall noise from one level to another, to help make the building quieter. 

For several decades, Eaton has served as a home for the departments of anthropology, classical studies, religion, and sociology as well as for Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, and the Perseus Digital Library.

“Not only does this project make some much-needed modernizations to the building, but it also serves to bolster and celebrate the departments it houses,” said Bárbara Brizuela, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. “With this newly renovated, warm, and inviting space—located in a prominent location on campus—we hope to continue to foster collaborations and highlight the importance of these essential components of our liberal arts and sciences education.”

The renovation is the latest evolution for Eaton Hall, which served for nearly six decades as Tufts College’s library. Opened in 1908, it was Tufts College’s first library building and one of the many stately “New England Carnegies” built with funds from the Carnegie Foundation. 

A photo of students in the Eaton Hall reading room in 1950

Tufts students in the reading room of Eaton Hall in 1950

At the request of Andrew Carnegie’s wife, Louise Whitfield Carnegie, the building was named in honor of Universalist pastor Charles Henry Eaton, a graduate of both Tufts College and the university’s divinity school, who was awarded an honorary degree in 1887. 

The addition of the War Memorial Library wing in 1950, with a large reading room and two lounges, nearly doubled Eaton’s size. In 1965, the entire Eaton Library collection moved into Wessell Library, the main library for Arts, Sciences and Engineering. (In 1996, the Wessel Library was renamed Tisch Library in recognition of a generous donation from the Tisch family.)

The modernization was led by the architectural firm Finegold Alexander, with the new addition designed by Payette.

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