Temple College’s Berry Hall, Classroom Building to Generations, to be Razed Wednesday, June 18

Temple College’s Berry Hall, which opened in 1961 and is the oldest existing structure on the College’s main campus, will be razed at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The demolition will close the chapter on a classroom building that hosted generations of Central Texans as they took the next steps in their education and toward their careers.

Named for psychology/sociology professor Albert Bryant Berry, the building first housed fine arts, foreign language and business classes. When it closed earlier this year, it was the headquarters for the College’s Workforce and Continuing Education courses.

“We’re excited about all of the incredible things happening at Temple College, and this is one more step in the transformation of our campus,” said Dr. Christy Ponce, Temple College President. “As Berry Hall and the other buildings come down, it gives us a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come, but it also opens up an opportunity for us to grow.”

Berry Hall Historic Photo Gallery

Berry Hall is one of five buildings that are being torn down as the College prepares to enter its next chapter with the opening four modern, state-of-the-art structures: a new Temple College Main Building, a Workforce and Visual Arts Building, a Health Sciences Center and Campus Services Center. These buildings are literally changing the Temple skyline.

“As we open these new buildings over the coming months, we welcome the community to visit us and learn about the amazing opportunities offered at Temple College,” Ponce said. “We continue to grow our programs, and we continue to develop pathways for our students to succeed – whether they plan to transfer to a four-year university or seek certification and training to enter the workforce.”

Temple College opened its doors with 87 students in the basement of Temple High School in September 1926. The College moved to its current main campus location in 1957.

Today, Temple College has campuses in Temple, Hutto, Taylor and Rockdale and offers dual-credit courses in ISDs throughout its service area.

Enrollment continues to grow year over year. Since Fall 2021, Temple College enrollment has increased 22% to nearly 5,400 students in Fall 2024. Including non-credit courses, Temple College serves more than 8,000 students each year.

The College is currently enrolling for Fall 2025.

Temple College’s Workforce and Visual Arts Building will host a grand opening ceremony on Aug. 15. A celebration for the Temple College Main Building will be announced at a later date, but the building is scheduled to be in use this fall.

ABOUT TEMPLE COLLEGE

Temple College is “Your Community’s College,” a dynamic and growing community college that equips thousands of Central Texas students with the knowledge and skills for 21st-century success. Temple College, which has campuses in Temple, Hutto, Taylor and Rockdale, offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs to students who seek to earn credits for transfer, graduate with an associate degree or complete a certificate for fast entry into the workforce.

Founded in 1926, Temple College has enjoyed a reputation for academic excellence for 99 years. It is nationally recognized for its exceptional programs, from visual and performing arts to competitive athletics. The College has become one of the state’s premier institutions for healthcare providers’ education and training, advanced manufacturing, and workforce development programs. The faculty and staff are committed to providing exceptional quality instruction.