Wright is one of the Tri-Towers Residence Halls, along with Wilkins and Haynie. The Tri-Towers are adjacent to Illinois State’s Redbird Arena and Hancock Stadium, and are also a short walk to Milner Library and Schroeder Hall via the Main Street underpass.
Wright Hall opened in 1964 and was named after Simeon Wright, a teacher who lobbied for the Normal University Bill. Wright also helped establish free schools and Illinois State Normal University (ISNU). He served as President of the Illinois Education Association the year the University was founded. Wright was a member of ISNU's first governing board for nine years and was a officer in the School-Master's Regiment in the Union Army under Charles E. Hovey.