Although Latrobe did not remain on campus after submitting his designs -- which the Trustees did not execute faithfully in any case -- he had a significant impact on the College's architectural program. In particular, his renovation of Nassau Hall was the most aesthetically pleasing of that building's many iterations.

To save money, Latrobe retained the original walls and proportions of Smith's 1756 building. With a few graceful touches, however, he transformed the building's former plainness into a much more stylish and elegant finish.

To improve the interior lighting, he raised the roof two feet. The troublesome roof was made of sheet iron, which proved a costly and unsuccessful experiment, as well as a source of friction between Latrobe and the College. He erected pediments over the two doors to the side blocks and replaced Smith's circular window in the central pediment with a fanlight.