Marietta College Plans Demolition of Historic Residence Hall

The college cites severe structural deterioration in its decision to remove the building originally dedicated in 1930.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Philanthropy

Isometric editorial illustration of a brick college building facade surrounded by abstract scaffolding supports. — Marietta College will demolish Dorothy Webster Hall due to severe structural deterioration, marking a shift in the institution's long-term campus redevelopment strategy. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Marietta College intends to demolish Dorothy Webster Hall following professional assessments that revealed critical structural issues, including a failing foundation and water intrusion. The move is part of a wider campus redevelopment project funded by a $55 million gift from donors Joe and Linda Chlapaty.

Why it matters

Restoring the aging hall would cost two to three times more than new construction while failing to meet modern accessibility and housing requirements. This redevelopment aims to modernize campus infrastructure, despite opposition from alumni who value the historic significance of the site.

The campus redevelopment project is backed by a $55 million commitment from Joe and Linda Chlapaty. Assessment teams found that restoring the structure, which served as the home of Civil War Gen. A.J. Warner, is financially unviable.

The players

Marietta College

This private liberal arts institution is located in Marietta and is managing a large-scale campus redevelopment project.

Joe and Linda Chlapaty

These philanthropists committed $55 million to support the modernization of campus facilities.

The details

The project includes renovations for Marietta, Elsie Newton, and Mary Beach halls, alongside the removal of Russell Hall due to its location in a flood plain. Student programming currently housed in the Barbara Diggs Lyles House will be relocated to Andrews Hall as part of the transition.

1929: John and William Mills donated the home to the college.
January 30, 1930: Dorothy Webster Hall was dedicated as a women's dormitory.
Fall 2027: Renovated Marietta Hall is scheduled to open.
Fall 2028: The new first-year housing complex is scheduled to open.
Winter 2029: The graduate health sciences building is scheduled to open.

Market Landscape

The college's strategy follows a trend of prioritizing modern facility standards over historical preservation to remain competitive. This transition aligns with broader institutional efforts to optimize campus housing and academic space for current student needs.

Students and faculty should expect significant changes to campus layout and housing availability over the coming years as construction phases begin. These adjustments will eventually provide updated residential facilities and new health science buildings for the local community.

The takeaway

Large-scale campus redevelopment often requires balancing historic preservation with the functional necessity of modern accessibility standards. Prioritizing new construction can offer more sustainable and efficient solutions for institutional growth over the long term.