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The Sir Christopher Wren Building at the College of William and Mary in
Virginia, America's second-oldest college, is the oldest academic building in
continuous use in the United States. It was constructed between 1695 and 1699,
before Williamsburg was founded, when the capital of the colony of Virginia was
still located at Jamestown.
Tradition has it that the building was designed by the famed English architect
Sir Christopher Wren who designed St. Paul's Cathedral in London.
The Wren Building has been destroyed by fire three times in 1705, 1859 and 1862.
Each time the structure was rebuilt, and for more than three centuries, it has
been "the soul of the College." In the building, generations of
William and Mary students have attended classes and lectures, enjoyed meals and
attended chapel services. Classes are still held in the Wren Building, which
also is home to several faculty offices.
To prepare the Wren Building for its fourth century of use, the College has
recently completed a comprehensive renewal and replacement project. The major
components of the project were restoration of the architectural features such as
floors and paneling; replacement of mechanical systems; safety upgrades; and
repair and stabilization of the walls and foundation.
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