Historic Buildings of Connecticut

Exploring the Nutmeg State One Building at a Time

Wesleyan

Fayerweather Gymnasium (1894)

Wesleyan University‘s Fayerweather Gymnasium was built in 1894. Funds for its construction were provided through a bequest from Daniel B. Fayerweather, who was not otherwise connected to Wesleyan, but who was inspired to donate to Methodist institutions. Designed by J. Cleaveland Cady, the Romanesque Revival style building had later additions, including a 1913 east wing, built to accommodate a swimming pool, and a rear addition in 1979. No longer used as a gymnasium, Fayerweather Hall has recently been restored to its 1894 dimensions to complement the adjacent construction of the new Usdan University Center.

Downey House (1842)

The early Italianate Downey House, on the corner of Court Street and High Street in Middletown, represents the transition from the Greek Revival to the Italian villa style. It was built in 1841-1842 for Elihu W. N. Starr, a member of a well known family of sword and gun manufacturers, but was sold to the son of Samuel Russell in 1853. It was later used (1889-1911) as the Misses Patten’s School for girls and was purchased by Wesleyan University in 1922. It was named Downey House in honor of Dr. David G. Downey, a president of the University’s board of trustees.

The Coite-Hubbard House (1856)

The building which now serves as Wesleyan’s President’s House was originally built in 1856 for Gabriel Coite, who became a state senator in 1860 and moved to Hartford in 1862, when he became the State Treasurer. In 1863, his Italianate house on High Street in Middletown was sold to Mrs. Jane Miles Hubbard, the widow of Samuel Hubbard, who had been a US Postmaster General. Wesleyan University acquired the Coite-Hubbard House from her heirs in 1904 to become the new President’s House, replacing the first building used for that purpose.

Edward Augustus Russell House (1842)

Edward Augustus Russell was the brother of the Middletown merchant Samuel Russell. Edward A. Russell served as mayor of Middletown and a state representative. His Greek Revival-style house was built on High Street in Middletown in 1841-1842, next to his brother’s home of 1828. Like the Samuel Russell House, Edward’s house may have been designed by the important architect Ithiel Town. Significant alterations were made when a third floor was added in 1930.

First President’s House, Wesleyan University (1837)

A house on High Street in Middletown was constructed in 1837-8 in the Greek Revival style to serve as home for Wilbur Fisk the first president of Wesleyan University. It served as a house for Wesleyan’s presidents until 1904 and then as the Dean’s House until 1967. It is currently the Center for the Americas, housing the departments of American Studies and Latin American Studies.

Thomas MacDonough Russell House (1902)

The Colonial Revival home of Thomas MacDonough Russell, built in 1901-1902, is located on High Street in Middletown. Russell was a descendant of Samuel Russell, whose famous 1828 Greek Revival House is across the street. The Thomas MacDonough Russell House currently houses Wesleyan University‘s Center for African American Studies.

Duane Barnes House (1848)

Across High Street from the Russell House in Middletown is the brownstone Gothic Revival style Duane Barnes House, which was possibly designed either by Barnes himself or by A.J. Davis. Today, the house is owned by Wesleyan University and serves as the Davidson Health Center.