The architectural work was performed by Frederick J. Osterling and it was named after President George P. Hays.

Construction was completed in 1903 and the new "fireproof" building was opened to Washington & Jefferson Academy students.

In 1912, the Academy closed and Hays Hall was used by Washington & Jefferson College students.

By 1968, Hays Hall had deteriorated to the point where it no longer able to house students, but the bookstore remained.

On February 28, 1901, the Trustees of Washington & Jefferson College purchased a plot of land on the corner of Beau and College Streets from James H. Hopkins for the construction of a new dormitory to house students for the Washington & Jefferson Academy.

[2] All told, Hays Hall could house 60 students, plus 6 faculty members and the Academy Principal's family.

[2] The floors were arranged in a 2-room suite style, with each student having his own room plus a communal study area.

[2] President James D. Moffat planned to use Hays Hall as the beginning of a school-wide dormitory system, as this was becoming standard in colleges at the time.

[2] In 1915, residence in Hays Hall was restricted to freshmen and the faculty compelled out-of-town students to take rooms there, a college first.

[2] Hays Hall residents erupted in protest, arguing that the League had no need for the piano, since there was one in the Old Main Chapel.

[2] The plaster walls had become difficult to maintain and the plumbing and heating units had fallen into disrepair.

[2] The central staircase was deemed especially hazardous, as it would operate as a flue in the event of a fire, which would quickly turn the building into a "furnace.