Barracks Q & A

Why do we need a new barracks? What’s wrong with the ones we have?

Simply put, after so many years of wear and tear, the existing structures can no longer meet our standards or our needs.

Snead Hall and Memorial Hall were each constructed as quick solutions to a crisis situation, where the goal was to meet an immediate need, not necessarily to provide a lasting solution for future needs.

When the first wooden structure known as Snead Hall was destroyed by fire in 1923, our current Snead Hall was constructed to house students in time for school to reopen in the fall. Memorial Hall was intended to be a temporary solution to accommodate extra students as soldiers returned to complete their education in the years following World War II.

These buildings each served their original purposes, but they no longer meet our present and future needs. On a campus known for our outstanding faculty, excellent athletic facilities, and top quality academics, our barracks are no longer representative of our school’s standards.

Why don't we just renovate the existing barracks?

There are two problems with renovating these buildings. First of all, renovations on an existing structure are often far more expensive than building a new structure. Our barracks buildings were inspected thoroughly and our engineers and experts came to the conclusion that the work would be time-consuming, costly, and still might not meet our current needs as well as a new building would.

The second and deciding factor is that the barracks would be unavailable for students during an extensive renovation. The Academy would not be able to operate during such renovations without housing for our students, and closing the school to allow for renovation of the barracks would not be feasible or desirable.

Where will the new barracks be located on the campus? When will it be built?

The new barracks will be built behind the current Snead Hall in the area between the Infirmary and the Fork Union Motor Lodge, where The Maples once stood.

Our goal is to break ground soon and hope for new students to be using the facility in 2011.

What will happen to Snead Hall and Memorial Hall?

The central entrance facade of Snead Hall will be removed and incorporated into the new barracks entrance. The new barracks entrance will not only carry on the spirit of Snead Hall, but will incorporate a portion of its existing facade within the new construction. The remainder of Snead Hall and Memorial Hall will be removed once the new barracks is completed.

Why are we raising more money? Didn't we just finish a Capital Campaign?

Our "Securing the Promise" campaign ended successfully (and ahead of schedule!) on July 31, 2007. Thanks to this effort, we have expanded our academic facilities (such as the Beatty Library), improved our athletic facilities (including the addition of our Aquatic Center), and restored the spiritual heart of our campus, Wicker Chapel. Now is the time to build on that momentum and fully address our residential facilities, bringing them up to the same standards and quality.

What can I do to help?

We solicit your prayers and your pledge of financial support to help this effort. Naming opportunities will be available for interested individuals and groups. Your pledge of support or gift today, large or small, will help us meet our goal.

Will you help? You can make a gift online today!