Bye-Bye to Baynes Residence Hall

fter 58 years, Baynes Residence Hall has been torn down.

Built in 1966, Baynes was 82,000 square feet with space for 400 students. The nine-story building originally housed female students, although it became co-ed in 1988. There were study rooms and restrooms on each floor and a kitchenette, lounges and concessions areas on the ground level.

In early years, each residence hall would vote for a person to represent it. Starting in 1971, a Miss Baynes was involved in homecoming parades, dances and had her picture in the yearbook. After the residence hall became co-ed, a Mr. Baynes was added.

A Baynes Hall Club planned events for residents and advocated for resident interests to management. In 1970, students and faculty formed a Baynes Hall Council, which focused on issues of safety and enrichment.

Baynes Residence Hall was named after Bascom Baynes

(1892–1978). Baynes was educated at Oak Ridge Military Institute and served in World War 1.

Originally from Caswell, North Carolina, he settled in Durham in the 1940s, where he was president of the Home Security Life Insurance Company. Baynes was active in community organizations and served as a Durham city council member.

Baynes, a friend of university founder Dr. James Shepard, was a member of the NCCU Board of Trustees from 1947–1957 and then became its chairman, a position he held until 1970.

While chairman, he oversaw the construction of several buildings including the cafeteria, chemistry building and Baynes Residence Hall.

In its last years, Baynes Residence Hall had structural issues. Baynes also lagged behind newer residence halls that had air conditioning. By late 2018 the university decided to demolish the building.

In July 2023, an ice cream social was held to commemorate Baynes Residence Hall. In October 2023, workers began to remove interior elements.

Around Jan. 16, a machine that resembles a crane began at the top of the building, tearing off pieces and dropping them to the ground, said Keith Alston, project manager in NCCU Capital Projects Management.

The site will be turned into a grass-covered space.

’BY MARK LAWTON

In its last years, Baynes Residence Hall had structural issues. Baynes also lagged behind newer residence halls that had air conditioning. By late 2018, the university decided to demolish the building.