The oldest building in continuous use for higher education in Florida, DeLand Hall is one of the most iconic structures on campus. Built in 1884, it was designed by architect John Mace, the first mayor of Lake Helen, and is considered one of the finest examples of Second Empire-style architecture in Florida. The building features three stories, mansard roof and gable dormers, and has wood-clapboard exterior walls and patterned wood shingles.
Built at a cost of almost $8,000, DeLand Hall was a gift from city and university founder Henry A. DeLand, who deeded the building and four acres surrounding it to the school. Upon opening Oct. 13, 1884, DeLand Hall housed all 88 students of DeLand Academy, forerunner of the university. They made use of eight classrooms, a chapel and a library.
Since that time, DeLand Hall has served as a library, chapel, gym, residence hall, kindergarten and fraternity house, and was home to music, speech and theatre arts programs. Today, the offices of the President and Academic Affairs are located here. The building also contains the Trustees Board Room decorated in Victorian-era style. An antique clock and wall cabinet in the entry area are from university benefactor John B. Stetson’s home in Philadelphia. Portraits of Stetson, DeLand and all Stetson presidents hang on the walls.
503 N. Woodland Blvd. DeLand, FL 32723
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