Goddard Hall was originally built as a three-story rectangular brick building with arched windows.

Announcement of construction of Goddard Hall came at the same time as that of the Barnum Museum of Natural History.

The university commissioned George Clough who was well known in Boston for his restoration of the Old State House, and the design of the Suffolk County Courthouse.

In 1897, freshmen and sophomores were required two hours of week at the gymnasium from Thanksgiving until Spring recess.

An indoor track was also built at the level of the dance floor, in addition to a gallery around the main gym area.