Main Hall was the first, and only, building of Teachers College when it was constructed in 1892. The land had been donated by George Vanderbuilt. It's location on Morningside Heights was selected by a joint effort of Nicholas Butler, President of Industrial Education Association (IEA), and close friend Frederick Barnard, Columbia University's President. The University was planning to locate their new campus on a block of land owned by Bloomingdale Asylum, an open urban space undivided by cross streets between 116th street and 120th street.Grace Dodge founder of the school, and both presidents, were committed to the development of a top quality school of pedagogy, one which Barnard hoped to soon make a college of Columbia University, and thus the location adjacent to the University was perfect.
The design of the building was awarded to architect Potter who developed the facades and details using the "Collegiate Gothic" style of steep gabled roofs, and romantic brown stone and red brick, placed in alternating coursing forming a lively edifice. The buildings evoked scholarly images reminiscient of the great English universities. A separate entrance, now removed, was placed at the east end of the building giving direct entrance to the great hall, a wonderful planning design that facilitated use of the hall independently of the school.

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