Welch Hall, New Haven

Welch Hall is a freshman dormitory at Yale University, prominently situated on the university's historic Old Campus in New Haven. The building was gifted to Yale in 1891 by Pierce N. Welch (Yale Class of 1862), along with Mrs. Cora Van Milligan and Mrs. Grace M. Davies, in honor of their father, Harmanus M. Welch, who served as mayor of New Haven from 1860 to 1863.

Designed by noted architect Bruce Price, Welch Hall reflects a Victorian English Collegiate style, constructed from Longmeadow freestone. Its architectural charm is visible on both its College Street-facing façade—overlooking the New Haven Green—and the internal courtyard of Old Campus. The inscription “AD 1891” is carved above the first-floor windows at each end of the College Street side, marking its year of completion.

Throughout its history, Welch Hall has undergone several renovations. In 1938, its first floor was converted for use by the Office of Admissions and the Freshman Year. By the early 1960s, these spaces were restored to dormitory use. A major renovation in 1976, led by architect Herbert S. Newman and funded by Yale alumnus John Hay Whitney (Class of 1926), further modernized the building.

Today, Welch Hall houses freshmen affiliated with Davenport College and is widely considered one of the most desirable freshman residences at Yale. It features a high number of single bedrooms, expansive common rooms, and an internal layout that allows easy access between sections of the building. Among its highlights are the “10-pack” and “12-pack” suites on the first floor—two of the largest freshman living spaces on campus—and the “Princess Suites” on the top floors, known for their skylights, two-story common areas, and generous bedrooms.