Sherburne Hall (1969)
As the 1960s ended, so did the tremendous physical growth of campus. Baby Boomers were getting older and finishing their studies at universities and colleges all over the country. Sherburne Hall was the last campus student residence to be built. With enough space to house 500 students, the building is still the largest campus student residence.
Sherburne Hall, March 1969
Financing, Contractors, and Construction
The $1.8 million structure was financed through bonds issued by the Minnesota State College board and paid through student rental fees. Designed by Jackson-Hahn Associates, construction contracts were awarded to the Wahl Construction Company (general), Weidner Plumbing and Heating (mechanical), and Granite City Electric (electrical).
Construction began on Sherburne Hall in the fall of 1967. According to a press release dated August 25, 1967, Sherburne Hall was scheduled to be 14 stories tall (the tallest building in St. Cloud) and each floor to contain three wings for 14 students projecting from a central core. Each wing would have seven bedrooms, a living-study room, and a bathroom. Sherburne Hall would contain three high-speed elevators, carpeted corridors, living-study rooms, telephones, and a walking tunnel connecting it with other north side residence halls and Garvey Commons. Director of campus planning Howard Walton said the building would “incorporate” the best features of Holes, Stearns, and Benton Halls.
Slated to be completed in time for the 1968 fall term, Sherburne Hall did not open until fall 1969. Construction was delayed by a construction workers strike. Due to Sherburne Hall’s opening, Lawrence Hall closed as a residence hall and used as classrooms and faculty offices.
Construction, 1968
Naming and Dedication
At the November 20, 1967, meeting of the Minnesota State College board, the building was named “Sherburne Student Residence”.
Along with Stearns and Benton Halls, Sherburne Hall was dedicated on April 11, 1969.
Renovation and Closing
Sherburne Hall was part of the 1987 Garvey Commons renovation. A concourse was built connecting Sherburne Hall with Garvey Commons. The architectural plans for that renovation have been digitized.
Sherburne Hall closed after spring semester 2020 but remained open to provide single rooms for students living on campus. As of 2025, Sherburne Hall is closed.
The blueprints for Sherburne Hall, as completed in 1969, are available on the University Archives’ Search portal.
Construction, 1967
Sherburne Hall, May 1977