One of Winthrop's finer examples of the Neo-Georgian architectural style, Joynes was the first building on the north side of campus, setting stylistic precedents for later buildings, including nearby Thurmond. Joynes was used originally as a residence hall for single faculty members. In 1969, it was converted to house foreign students but closed in 1973. At that time, it became Joynes Conference Center for Continuing Education. Its namesake was Dr. Edward S. Joynes, charter member of the Board of Trustees and one of the guiding forces behind Winthrop's founding in 1886. In 1989, the building was renamed Joynes Hall and served as the Winthrop Conference Center until 2003.