Buildings @ Oakland University

Hamlin Hall

Quick Facts

- Construction onset: 1967
- Building Dedication: February 19, 1969
- Cost: $3,700,000
- Architect: L.G. Redstone Architect, Inc.; Louis G. Redstone and Associates of Detroit
- Construction: Darin and Armstrong, Inc.
- Funding: The Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development provided Oakland University with a self-liquidating sum, to be reimbursed through charges related to student room and board.
- Specifications: 142,872 sq. ft, accommodating 676 students
- Namesake: Delos Hamlin, member of the Oakland County Board of Supervisors for over 25 years. Hamlin had an impressive political career, beginning with election to the Farmington City Commission at age 25. He also served as Mayor of Farmington from 1939-1949, chairman of Oakland County Board of Public Works, Vice President/Director of the Metropolitan Fund, member of the Executive Committee of Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments, and President of the Michigan State Association of Supervisors. Hamlin's contributions to Oakland University took the form of serving as a trustee of the MSUO Foundation.

History

One of six residential dormitories, Hamlin Hall stands a full nine stories, matching neighboring Vandenberg Hall in structural if not visual height (Hamlin was built at the bottom of a small ravine, thereby making it appear "shorter" than the surrounding buildings). The entrance is on the fourth floor. It is in use primarily by freshman students and features the most austere exterior and interior architecture of the dormitories.

Originally intended for completion in the spring of 1968 to accommodate student residents the following fall, the construction of Hamlin Hall was delayed due to a buildings trades strike. In fall 1968, students moved into an unfinished building with the top floors not yet ready. But apart from Fitzgerald House, it was the only dormitory with a fireplace in its 4th-floor lounge.

For more information

"Dorm Seven to House 676," Oakland Observer, Jan. 13, 1967

Hamlin Hill Times, Sept. 2, 1968

Photos courtesy of the Oakland University Archives.