When construction of Bennett Hall began in early 1949, plans called for it to be one of the largest residence halls in the nation. The entire length of its halls and stairways reportedly covered two and a half miles. By the time it was complete in 1950, the first occupants were U.S. Air Force trainees preparing to fight in the Korean conflict. The sprawling structure was later remodeled to allow women to live in half of the residence hall.