The restoration of Balch Hall revitalizes this 1929 building, including its large performance hall and accompanying gardens. The main structure in the historic core of the Scripps College Campus, Balch Hall was designed by Sumner, Hunt and Kaufmann and forms the center of one of the most distinguished ensembles of collegiate buildings in America.

For decades, Balch Hall served primarily as an administrative building for the College and included offices for the president, provost, treasurer, academic deans and registrar. The scope of the original building was expanded with multi-use rooms for classes or informal meetings and a new library, retreat area and dining room. Much-needed acoustical upgrades were incorporated, along with a complete seismic rehabilitation that included structural, electrical and mechanical improvements.