Sever Hall, Boston

Sever Hall, finished in 1880 and conceived by the renowned architect Henry Hobson Richardson, exemplifies a distinct architectural trend referred to as the Romanesque revival style. On the Harvard campus, various other styles succeeded it, such as neoclassical, as evident in the grand pillared facade of the Widener Library, and neo-Georgian, beautifully displayed in the elegant brick residences along the Charles River, many of which currently accommodate undergrads.

Ann Sever, in a heartfelt tribute to her late husband James W. Sever, generously gifted this gem. It's not just a pretty face – Sever Hall serves various academic purposes, housing classrooms and offices. You won't believe it, but they threw in over 1.3 million red bricks into the mix when constructing this Historical Landmark. That's some serious LEGO-level dedication! The result showcases the intricate craftsmanship of cut, carved, and molded bricks, complete with semi-turrets, a hipped roof, and ornate carvings.

Oh, and here's the cherry on top – the entrance archway has a neat acoustic trick up its sleeve. Whisper sweet nothings at the bricks in the archway, and your secrets will magically travel 12 feet to the other side. It's like Harvard's very own telephone game!

The famous architecture critic Robert Venturi once declared Sever Hall his favorite building in America. It's had its fair share of glow-ups, with the most recent one in 2005 to keep it looking its best.