“McCormick Hall has stood as the stronghold of young women's empowerment on this campus since its inception. It has created this feeling of 'you are welcome in our space, where we define our experience and carry on the legacy.'”

Raúl Radovitzky,
Jerome C. Hunsaker Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics
and McCormick Hall Head of House

Historic McCormick Hall was the first residence hall for women at MIT when it opened in 1963 and remains the only all-women’s dorm on campus. When McCormick Hall was built, women made up only 2% of the student body. The opening of the landmark residence affirmed MIT’s commitment to coeducation and led to a persistent rise in female undergraduate enrollment. McCormick Hall became a social and recreational hub that enabled women to participate fully in student life.

View images of McCormick today and renderings of the planned renovation.

Lobby (future): The planned renovation of McCormick Hall will update aging building systems while preserving the residence’s historical charm.

Lobby (future): A gift of $1M will fund the revitalization of the striking interior courtyard. The donor will be recognized with a plaque at the courtyard’s entrance.

Lobby (current): McCormick is home to 255 students. The front desk offers a warm welcome, with greetings from student desk workers and security staff. The front entrance is a perfect spot to meet up with friends before heading to the dining hall together.

Penthouse (future): With extraordinary views of Boston and the MIT campus, the East Tower penthouse includes lounges, a Kitchen in the Clouds, and a 360–degree terrace. A naming gift of $5M will enable needed upgrades to this striking space, including new ramps to the terrace and updated furnishings and windows. The donor will be recognized with a plaque at entry to the lounge.

Penthouse (current): The penthouse is where you will find students studying, socializing, or taking a break against the beautiful backdrop of the Boston skyline.

Country Kitchen (future): The quintessential mid-century modern dining room will be refurbished with 21st century utilities and accessibility while retaining its charming original features.

Country Kitchen (current): The Country Kitchen on the first floor is a gathering space for group celebrations, study breaks, and hall events.

Craft Room (future): This popular activity room will be expanded to accommodate more crafting surfaces and tools. A gift of $100K will name the craft room.

Craft Room (current): The craft room provides a distinctly McCormick twist on the maker space.

Floor Kitchen (future): The kitchen on each floor will be upgraded to a better layout that meets modern accessibility standards. A gift of $100,000 will name a floor kitchen.

Floor Kitchen (current): Twelve floor kitchens, on floors 2-7 in each tower, offer spaces for smaller gatherings and late-night snacks.

The planned renovation of this iconic residence will ensure McCormick Hall remains a hub of activity for undergraduate women on campus well into the future.