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The Sir Christopher Wren Building

The Sir Christopher Wren Building

The Sir Christopher Wren Building at the College of William and Mary in Virginia is the oldest academic building in continuous use in the United States. It was constructed between 1695 and 1699, before Williamsburg was founded, when the capital of the colony of Virginia was still located at Jamestown.

Tradition has it that the building was designed by the famed English architect Sir Christopher Wren who designed St. Paul's Cathedral in London.

The Wren Building has been destroyed by fire three times in 1705, 1859 and 1862. Each time the structure was rebuilt, and for more than three centuries, it has been "the soul of the College." In the building, generations of William and Mary students have attended classes and lectures, enjoyed meals and attended chapel services. Classes are still held in the Wren Building, which also is home to several faculty offices.

To prepare the Wren Building for its fourth century of use, the College has recently completed a comprehensive renewal and replacement project. The major components of the project were restoration of the architectural features such as floors and paneling; replacement of mechanical systems; safety upgrades; and repair and stabilization of the walls and foundation.

 
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