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Topics: Old East

Old East is the oldest state university building in the United States and has served as a dorm throughout its existence. The cornerstone was laid by University founder William R. Davie in 1793 and construction was completed two years later and served as the University’s first dormitory and lecture hall. University Day is celebrated each year on Oct. 12, the anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone. When it was built, Old East cost approximately $11,060. The building was designed to face East to model the direction of North Carolina’s capitol building.

The student body quickly outgrew the building’s original 14 one-window rooms, and many students built tents outdoors instead. In 1822, a third story was added to the building, and it was later renovated to lengthen the hall. Old East suffered considerable damage during the Civil War and in the year’s after when the University remained closed but was repaired in 1874.

After the building was declared unfit in 1922, the state provided $82,000 for renovation costs and the building was rebuilt. The building was rededicated during the University’s bicentennial in 1993. During the 2008-09 school year Old East and its counterpart, Old West, were renovated to remove exterior paint and to replace mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. The new copper roof was designed to be historically accurate. There are 56 dorm rooms in Old East, considered one of the most highly-desired dorms on campus.