There was originally a plan to create large "U" shaped dormitories including Brantly and Corbin Halls, but the placement of this building in 1937 put an end to that plan. This hall is just to the northwest of The Oval, the conceptual centre of the campus, and set back from it somewhat, but still part of the first tier of buildings surrounding it. Originally named New Hall, its name was later changed to Turner Hall.
A contributing building to the University of Montana Historic District, more information on the building can be found on Page 12, Section 7 of the
Continuation Sheet.
New Hall
f this women’s residence hall prohibited further development of a women’s U-shaped dormitory complex as outlined by the Carsley-Gilbert campus master plan of the previous decade. Architects H. E. Kirkemo of Missoula and J. Van Teylingen of Great Falls designed the building, completed in 1939, in the Renaissance Revival-inspired style outlined by the older plan. Yet the architects were not to be bound by Renaissance Revival. Liberal modern touches such as a towered entryway and asymmetrically placed windows deny emphasis of the older style, and suggest the subtle encroachment of Art Deco ideas. The former women’s residence, renamed Turner Hall, now houses offices.
From the NRHP Plaque