Name: John Hanson Thomas Main Hall
Nickname: Main
Address: 1221 Sixth Ave.
Purpose: Residence hall, 56 students
Year Built: 1915

Main Hall’s namesake, President John H. T. Main, conceived of and carried forward the idea of Grinnell as a residential college. Through the investment of about $1 million, the College built the Women’s quadrangle in 1915, and the men’s halls in 1916–17. At the time of its opening, Main Hall included a beautiful drawing room, an inspiring Gothic dining room, and the Little Theatre. Gardner Lounge, in the basement of Main Hall, hosts numerous performances, dances, and rave parties. Bob’s Underground Cafe also resides in the basement and is known for its walls covered in student scribbles going back decades.

Building Features

• Known for its unique room shapes that can be surprisingly spacious.
• Three student lounges, one of which contains a piano
• One kitchen

Fun Fact

Gardner Lounge has hosted performances by Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, and more. Main alsos houses the Quad, a former dining hall that resembles the Great Hall from the Harry Potter movies.