The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

President's House

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Institution Name: Sarah Lawrence College
Original/Historic Place Name: private residence of Roy Graham
Location on Campus: Kimball and Glen Washington Aves.
Date(s) of Construction:

1922-1924

original construction Bowman, Lewis for McKim, Meade & White

Designer: Lewis Bowman of McKim, Meade & White
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Other (Glossary)
Significance: architecture, landscape
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: concrete

Walls: brick, fieldstone

Roof: slate

Function:

ca. 1922-present (2006)

president's house

Narrative:
In 1954, the First President's house, located north of campus, was demolished to make way for the Sprain Book Parkway. The third and current president's house, built in 1921 by Louis Bowman, is an example of 16th century Tudor architecture. Its living room features restored carved beams, representing the various trades, from a 16th century Tudor mansion in England. Additionally, above the mantel a Christian creation story is told in intricate wood carving. Furthermore, legend has it that a secret panel exists in the living room leading to a wine cellar, which was built during Prohibition.

References: