Ballou Hall

Ballou Hall is a historic academic building located on the Tufts University campus in Medford, Massachusetts. Completed in 1854, it was the university's first academic structure, designed by architect Gridley J.F. Bryant in an Italianate style. The building features distinctive red brick and sandstone trimmings, a prominent Roman Ionic portico, and a cast-iron bell that once called students to lectures. Originally serving multiple functions including dormitories and a chapel, Ballou Hall has undergone several renovations, with a significant restoration by McKim, Mead, and White in the 1950s. Today, it remains the administrative heart of Tufts University, offering visitors a glimpse into the institution's rich history and architectural heritage.