Page 62 - Wallingford Magazine Issue 56 Autumn 2025

By Alison Cady, Chief Communications Officer, Choate Rosemary Hall

At Choate Rosemary Hall, tradition and innovation live side by
side — and nowhere is that more evident than in Carr Hall, the
school’s new welcome center. Carr Hall embodies Choate’s values,
offering an open and accessible admission office, demonstrating its
commitment to sustainability, and exemplifying an appreciation of
the campus and its relationship with the Wallingford community.

For decades, families visiting Choate have discovered a boarding school
unlike many of its peers. Rather than being hidden behind gates or tucked
away from view, Choate’s 458-acre campus is interwoven with the town of
Wallingford. Students cross neighborhood streets to get to class, residents
stroll the scenic walkways, and events host visitors from across New England,
the country, and the world. This unique integration inspired the creation of
a building that serves as a clear, inviting front door to the campus — a space
that welcomes visitors with the same warmth and openness that defines the
Choate experience.

“ Carr Hall is more than a building; it’s an invitation,”
says Dr. Alex Curtis, Head of School. “We want every

visitor to feel immediately embraced by Choate and
by Wallingford.”

Architecture Rooted in Community

Designed to sit naturally at the four corners of Christian and North Elm
Streets, Carr Hall respects and reflects the area’s rich architectural character.
Its scale and materials were thoughtfully chosen to harmonize with the
surrounding historic buildings and homes, while its placement makes it both
visible and accessible for visiting families, alumni, and guests.
Inside, sunlight floods the open lobby, offering guests an immediate sense of
warmth and connection. Meeting rooms and gathering spaces are designed to
create a smooth, personalized admissions process, while multifunctional areas
will also host events and gatherings throughout the year. From start to finish,
Carr Hall is designed to make every visitor’s first impression memorable.
62 WALLINGFORD MAGAZINE - AUTUMN 2025