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New South Hall is one of the dormitories housing first-year students at Georgetown University. The name reflects the oldest Georgetown building, which had been called "Old South," and was located near New South's location. Old South was replaced by Ryan Hall in 1903. When New South was completed in September 1959, it was the southernmost building on campus. Money for the dormitory was made available by the federal government largely because of the 1957 launch of Sputnik, which galvanized the government to fund educational initiatives. However this required that a "no-frills" building be built. Since then, renovation to the exterior has been prevented by the United States Commission of Fine Arts, which considers it a "part of the historic skyline of Georgetown." Its monolithic appearance has been criticized by many from students to President Lyndon B. Johnson. In 2004, the building underwent a $21 million dollar interior renovation, and a new entrance was created. The building was rededicated in November 2004. Further plans to build a student center in the building have been stymied by general opposition to construction from Georgetown residence and the Advisory Neighborhood Commission. Ongoing renovations contributed to Georgetown's listing on the priciest college dormitories according to U.S. News & World Report.
New South's cafeteria was completed in February 1960, and at the time was the "biggest non-military food service in the Washington area." In 2003 the dining hall was closed and replaced by neighboring Leo J. O'Donovan, S.J. Dining Hall. The old cafeteria space was converted into room for dance classes called "Deep South," though many proposals for its use were made. The dorm has a certain reputation, due in part to its long corridors, of being more social but also being prone to vandalism. However, New South was recognized as the Georgetown Hall of the Year for the 2005-2006 academic year and recognized by The Voice as the Best Dorm to Live in 2006-2007. Current university president John J. DeGioia lived in New South while a student.
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