Gerlinger Hall, built in 1921 and originally just known as the Woman's Building, was intended to house activities for women on campus and form part of the women's memorial quadrangle along with Hendricks and Susan Campbell Halls, then women's dormitories. Shortly after its completion, Architectural Forum observed: "In the Woman's Building a new note has been struck -- Georgian shall we call it? -- or colonial? Perhaps its rare charm comes, not from remote suggestion of this or that English or New England prototype so much as from its truly indigenous character."

Named after Irene Gerlinger, who headed the fundraising drive, Gerlinger Hall, was built with a mix of private and state money for about $300,000. Today it is on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to the Asian Studies Program, Alumni Lounge, an indoor gymnasium, and pool. Gerlinger Annex, home to the Department of Dance, was added in 1970.