[2] The circle, in reality a quadrangle grouped around an oval path, is a historic and distinctive architectural assembly of three collegiate buildings, which evolved in the late 19th century.

It was built between 1874 and 1876, and like its neighbor, the earlier Martin Hall, is in a predominantly red brick Second Empire style building under a mansard roof.

The principal facade is dominated by an Italianate central belvedere tower surmounted by a square based dome, which since 1910 has contained the Seth Thomas clock, originally in the cupola of Martin Hall.

The initial cost of building the hall, $41,500, was funded by a state property tax, levied at a rate of five cents per $100 of property[7] In 2010, the building was subject to a $3.9 million restoration project; this included a new roof, the replacement the long lost iron finials to the towers and the implementation of modern safety features, not considered necessary in the nineteenth century.

The hall's name references Woodburn Female Seminary, a school originally located on the West Virginia University campus.

The cupola was originally adorned with the Seth Thomas clock, which today is housed in the central tower of Woodburn Hall.

It was built in 1893 and is a three-story brick building designed in a loose Queen Anne style with a Venetian influence, which makes it architecturally at odds with its two neighbors.

The second floor, which has tall segmented windows, has the external appearance of a piano nobile; this is accentuated by a projecting iron central balcony over the entrance below.