Table of Contents
Hallden Hall
When it was built in 1946, Hallden Hall was known as the Hallden Engineering Laboratory. The Laboratory was expanded in 1953 and again in 1958 when it reached three times its original size.
The building is named after Karl W. Hallden, a life Trustee of the College. Hallden contributed to several projects and scholarships on Trinity's campus, including an engineering scholarship and game room. He financed the construction of the building, the two additions, and the purchase of much of the equipment.
Original laboratory equipment included engines on test stands, a three-phase electric generator, and equipment for materials testing. The additions added space for classrooms, offices, a fluid dynamics area, and a machine shop.
The North side of Hallden Hall faces the Gates Quad and is connected to laboratory classrooms in McCook Academic Building.
Computer Center
Trinity's first computing center for the use of all students operated in the Hallden Engineering building in the early 1980s. In 1990, both the computer center and the engineering department moved into the new Mathematics, Computing and Engineering Center (now the Nutt Mathematics, Engineering, and Computer Science Center), leaving the Hallden Engineering Laboratory vacant.
New Uses
Since 1991, Hallden has been home to the Fine Arts Department, encompassing Art History and Studio Arts. Hallden also houses the Center for Teaching and Learning, which is located within the Dangremond Family Commons, a function room in Hallden Hall. The space was formerly the home of the independent Gallows Hill Bookstore, followed by use as a storage unit, before its renovation in 2013. Common-hour events and workshops often take place in this space.
Sources
Trinity College in the Twentieth Century (2000) by Peter and Anne Knapp, p. 494.
The Trinity Tripod, 02/17/1970.