History of The Castle

In 1898 the Italian villa bordered by Locust Street, 36th Street, and Woodland Avenue was razed to the ground, giving way for the construction of the first Fraternity House on the University of Pennsylvania campus, The Castle.

This distinctive building has stood at the center of campus for over 100 years. George W. and William D. Hewitt (of Hewitt & Hewitt and father of J.M. Oliver Hewitt C' 1899) designed the structure in the academic version of the traditional Gothic style which would soon come to shape the rest of the university's campus.

The Castle is constructed of pure limestone, reflecting the style of unique 19th Century European and North American architectural exploits. The Castle’s twin turrets command an enviable view of College Green and Center City Philadelphia.

The building's Gothic exterior serves as the front of an imposing fortress, complete with turrets, oriels, symbolic carvings, a spacious covered porch, and two large vestibule entrances. The Castle’s interior mimics the design of Gentlemen's clubs of the late 19th century.  The Great Hall, the International Billiard Room, the Garnet Poker Room, the Library, the carved wood Dining Hall,  and the Grand Staircase make evident these 19th century origins.  The bedroom doors of the Castle are emblazoned with golden nameplates, honoring the long line of Brothers who have walked The Castle’s halls.

The Castle’s walls speak of an extensive history, as they have seen many changes occur on the surrounding campus.  During the First World War, The Castle hosted the United States Navy between May 1918 and January 1919 in an effort to assist in recruitment and mobilization. Throughout the early half of the 20th century, The Castle was surrounded by the trolley lines of the busy thoroughfares.  However, these lines were gradually discontinued or tunnelled underground as the University favored a more welcoming, pedestrian campus.

In the 1970s, Locust Walk was closed to vehicle traffic and the Postal Service renumbered the respectively affected building, thereby confirming 250 South 36th Street as the official new address. In the name of tradition, however, The Castle insisted on maintaining the number 300 as its official address until the late 1990s.