Stop 1: Historic Mansions
New College’s historic Bayfront (Palmer) Campus sits on the former estate of circus magnate Charles Edward Ringling (1863-1926), the younger brother of John Ringling. The estate was built in 1925-26 as the winter retreat for the Charles Ringling family. The compound was designed to be completely self-sufficient, including staff quarters, farming and livestock. In addition to the main mansion, Charles built another gracious bayfront home for his daughter, Hester, and her children. The two bayfront homes are connected by a covered walkway that creates a transition between the two architectural styles. Within months of the completion of the construction, Charles died, but Edith Ringling and their daughter continued to reside on the estate for many decades. The structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Built at a cost of $880,000, the interior decoration of the Ringling Mansion (now College Hall) was done by Marshall Field and Company of Chicago. Furnishings for the home were imported from many parts of the world, chiefly Europe. The rooms were filled with distinctive and elegant furniture built by Sheraton and Hepplewhite in England well over 200 years ago, selected in keeping with the English design of the house itself. The mansion’s design took advantage of the spectacular location, with maximum use of available light and prevailing breezes. The entire exterior of the house is veneered with pink Etowah Georgia marble. The terraces, buttresses and porte-cochere are made of the same material. From the porte-cochere, one enters into the formal living room, which provides access into all other areas of the first floor and to the second via curving wrought iron staircase. The main floor includes an enclosed terrace overlooking the bay and walnut-paneled music room with vintage Aeolian organ.
The Ringling Residence was used during the first years as the library, for classes, for dining purposes and as a student center while other facilities were being constructed on another part of the campus. From 1966 until 1986, the building was used primarily as a library, although the Music Room was still used for special events, meetings, theater, dance and music.
College Hall in the 21st century is a resource for both New College and the community. On the first floor, prospective students and their families are greeted by Admissions Reception, and meet with counselors in the former dining room with its windows on the bay. The former billiard room is now the office of the College’s General Counsel. Upstairs, one can find faculty offices and classrooms. The music room is used for student concerts and performances. Outside, just as it was in 1925, is the sparkling Sarasota Bay and an expansive, grassy lawn. While its use has changed over the years, College Hall remains a majestic building, reminiscent of a bygone era when the Ringling Brothers enriched Sarasota with their circus legacy.
Built at a cost of $880,000, the interior decoration of the Ringling Mansion (now College Hall) was done by Marshall Field and Company of Chicago. Furnishings for the home were imported from many parts of the world, chiefly Europe. The rooms were filled with distinctive and elegant furniture built by Sheraton and Hepplewhite in England well over 200 years ago, selected in keeping with the English design of the house itself. The mansion’s design took advantage of the spectacular location, with maximum use of available light and prevailing breezes. The entire exterior of the house is veneered with pink Etowah Georgia marble. The terraces, buttresses and porte-cochere are made of the same material. From the porte-cochere, one enters into the formal living room, which provides access into all other areas of the first floor and to the second via curving wrought iron staircase. The main floor includes an enclosed terrace overlooking the bay and walnut-paneled music room with vintage Aeolian organ.
The Ringling Residence was used during the first years as the library, for classes, for dining purposes and as a student center while other facilities were being constructed on another part of the campus. From 1966 until 1986, the building was used primarily as a library, although the Music Room was still used for special events, meetings, theater, dance and music.
College Hall in the 21st century is a resource for both New College and the community. On the first floor, prospective students and their families are greeted by Admissions Reception, and meet with counselors in the former dining room with its windows on the bay. The former billiard room is now the office of the College’s General Counsel. Upstairs, one can find faculty offices and classrooms. The music room is used for student concerts and performances. Outside, just as it was in 1925, is the sparkling Sarasota Bay and an expansive, grassy lawn. While its use has changed over the years, College Hall remains a majestic building, reminiscent of a bygone era when the Ringling Brothers enriched Sarasota with their circus legacy.
Stop 1: Historic Mansions
Stop 2: Campus & Facilities
Stop 3: Natural Science Facilities
Stop 4: Recreation
Stop 5: Housing Stop 6: Music & Fine Arts Stop 7: Library Stop 8: Classrooms
Stop 9: Sarasota-Bradenton Stop 10: Student Life Stop 11: Dining Return to Campus Tour >>
Stop 5: Housing Stop 6: Music & Fine Arts Stop 7: Library Stop 8: Classrooms
Stop 9: Sarasota-Bradenton Stop 10: Student Life Stop 11: Dining Return to Campus Tour >>
