Straus Hall
Address10, Harvard Yard, Cambridge, MA, United States of America, 02163
Site Number249
Building Root Number
03372
Architect (Original)
Coolidge, Shepley, Bulfinch, and Abbott
Building Acquired
1926
Constructed 1926
Constructed 1926
StatusActive
Materials for this building in our collection are not fully processed at this time.
Site Name HistoryThe site is named after Isidor Straus (1845-1912), co-owner of the Macy's department store in New York, and his wife Ida Straus (1849-1912), both of whom perished on the RMS Titanic in 1912.Historical NotesStraus Hall was designed in the Colonial Revival style by Boston architects Coolidge Shepley Bulfinch and Abbott. It was completed in 1926 and houses Harvard freshmen. The building was a gift of Jesse Straus (A.B. 1893), Percy Straus (A.B. 1897) and Herbert Straus (A.B. 1903) in memory of their parents, Isidor and Ida Blun Straus.Additional Information
Weber, Paul J. Photographs of Harvard University Buildings and Grounds Taken by Paul J. Weber, Ca. 1929-1931 and 1939. Harvard University Archives call number HUV 2329
“Proposed New Harvard Dormitory the Gift of Jesse Isidor Straus.” Cambridge Chronicle, 17 Oct. 1925, p. 9.
“Straus Hall New Memorial Dormitory. Gift to University of Three Brothers in Memory of Their Father and Mother-Work Began First of Month.” Cambridge Tribune, 10 Oct. 1925, p. 4.
“New Hall Begins to Grow in Yard.” The Harvard Crimson, 9 Oct. 1925, https://www.thecrimson.com/article/1925/10/9/new-hall-begins-to-grow-in/.
Harvard University Archives. Construction Management Records, ca. 1953-1986. Harvard University Archives call number UAV 298.8000
General Information by and about Straus Hall. Harvard University Archives HUB 1812.2
