History

The building we now call the Georgia Tech Alumni House began as a YMCA facility in 1912 and quickly became the center of social activity on campus. At that time, dormitories dominated the third floor, and there was no elevator or air conditioning. The building housed billiard tables, a bowling alley in the basement, meeting rooms for social groups, a full-service restaurant and the only telephone on campus for many years. The second floor contained a beautifully finished reception hall, reading and writing rooms, a restroom for ladies, and a handsome auditorium with a seating capacity of nearly 300 complete with balcony. The dormitories became known as the Rockefeller Apartments and were later the first women's dormitory on campus.

In the 1970s, the YMCA relocated to its current West Peachtree location and the building was scheduled for demolition until the Alumni Association stepped in and began an extensive restructuring and renovation. Reopened in 1979 as the L.W. "Chip" Robert Jr. Alumni/Faculty House, the building featured a large atrium lobby, a library, ballroom, dining room, kitchen and lounge. Campus food services operated a small restaurant from the kitchen called the Faculty Club until 1991. An elevator, updated heating and cooling, and modern bathrooms were also added.

In 1994, a cosmetic make-over was completed including a unique photo exhibit of Georgia Tech history. Today, the House encompasses offices and support rooms for more than 50 employees, a Career Development center, Living History Studio, a conference room, and lobby. The mezzanine level has been converted to more than 3,500 square feet of event space, including a ballroom, lobby, an additional conference room, and library. Today the space is enjoyed by hundreds of alumni, family and friends.