Built in 1917, originally as housing for nurses work at MacVicar Hospital, the three-level, 7,000 SF, cottage-style building has remained a residence hall for upper class students desiring a homelike atmosphere.

In 2001, following a year long programming study of Sisters Chapel, it was determined that Bessie Strong needed to undergo extensive renovation. The renovation provides additional academic space: 5 offices, a work room, a Conference Room, and the Dean of Chapel’s department. Upgrades to the building include new lighting fixtures and mechanical systems, improvements to the first and second floor bathrooms, and renovation of existing dorm rooms. A kitchenette has been added to the second floor for student use, and the basement now houses an exercise room, hair salon, laundry facility and a new mechanical room and electrical closet.

At the east elevation, an exterior aluminum staircase was built to permit egress from the second level, and to provide access for dorm residents.