Renovation work on Kenyon’s Bexley Hall is well underway, but additional care is required to convert this 180-year-old building into student housing, especially regarding the structure’s roof and masonry. For this reason, Bexley will not be included in the regular spring housing lottery and will not be open for occupancy at the start of the Fall 2023 semester. A supplemental housing draw will allow students excited to live in the historic hall to move in when the building is ready if they choose.
More information about the supplemental housing draw will be provided at a later date — likely in the late summer — once the College is able to establish a firm timeline for when new residents will be able to move into Bexley. Students interested in applying for Bexley housing will have the opportunity to tour the building before entering the supplemental draw. Kenyon recognizes that moving to a new residence during the academic year presents an inconvenience; the intent of removing Bexley from the regular spring housing lottery and holding a supplemental draw this fall is to provide students with greater ability to plan ahead.
Work to convert the historic seminary building at the north end of Middle Path, which dates from 1839 and has seen multiple uses during the course of its long life, began in August 2022; once completed, Bexley will house approximately 40 students. The College has worked with construction partners to faithfully restore the building with period-correct stone and architectural details, preserving its glorious Gothic exterior while updating the interior to contemporary standards for residential spaces. Colburn Hall, an attached addition located behind Bexley and originally used as a library, will re-open as an enhanced space for student events once Bexley’s residential conversion is completed.