| Harrison Hall (Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College) | |
| Designation1: | Mississippi Landmark |
| Designation1 Offname: | Harrison Hall[1] |
| Designation1 Number: | 131-PRK-0106-ML[2] |
| Designation1 Date: | October 9, 2003 |
| Location: | Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Perkinston, Mississippi |
| Coordinates: | 30.7819°N -89.1428°W |
| Built: | 1936-37 |
| Architect: | Smith, Vinson B., Jr. (1936)[3] |
| Restored: | 1974, 2018 |
| Restored By: | Eley Guild Hardy Architects (2018)[4] |
| Governing Body: | Mississippi |
Harrison Hall is a former student dormitory located on the campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Perkinston, Mississippi. It was constructed in 1936–37, and was designated a Mississippi Landmark in 2003. Following renovation in 2018, the building was repurposed to house administrative offices.
Harrison Hall was designed by Gulfport architect Vinson Smith and was constructed in 1936-37 by building contractor Newton and Schmoll of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.[5] The two-story building was renovated in 1974, and air conditioning was incorporated into the design.[6]
From 1937 to 1983, Harrison Hall served as a dormitory for female students.[7] In 1983, the building became a men's residence hall.[7]
Following approval of remodeling plans by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History to insure historical integrity, renovation of the 81-year-old building was completed in 2018. After a dedication ceremony on April 18, 2018, Harrison Hall became the District Office Headquarters for Gulf Coast Community College.[8]
During the 46 years that Harrison Hall functioned as a women's residence hall, the lobby was often the focal point of "manless weddings".[9] These were major social events on campus and were elaborate affairs, usually sponsored by student organizations, such as the YWCA.[9] The "weddings" were attended by faculty, students, and out-of-town guests.