After the loss of the first college building, the University of Vermont began immediately to rebuild and to enlarge its home with fire protection in mind. In 1825, North College and South College were constructed as dormitories with General Lafayette laying a cornerstone.
Four years later, Middle College was erected between the earlier buildings, but separated by eight-foot fire breaks. Middle College was longer and deeper than the flanking buildings and its central pavilion was topped by a gold dome. Designed and constructed by master builder, John Johnson, this Federal style brick building housed the two-story University chapel, lecture and recitation rooms, library, museum and other institutional facilities.

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West elevation of Middle College, John Johnson, circa 1829. (Wilbur Collection, UVM Library)

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