Maryland Hall
Site: North side of Gumenick Quadrangle
Completed: December, 1932
Dedication: April 28, 1933
Architect: Charles M. Robinson Architects; Cram and Ferguson, consulting architects
Size: 24,330 square feet
Renovation: 1977, by Caudill, Rowlett and Scott
Maryland Hall was the last building added to the University's original science group, composed of the chemistry building (Puryear Hall), the physics building (Richmond Hall), and the biology building (Maryland Hall). The three buildings are connected by a cloister that emphasizes the Gothic style, which is not as pronounced in these buildings as it is in other campus structures.[1]
The building opened in December, 1932. Students helped move books, lamps, and laboratory equipment from the old building to the new. When it opened the building contained 35 rooms including 3 large lecture rooms and 8 laboratories. The first floor housed general zoology, the second floor general botany, and the basement housed photographic dark rooms and preparation rooms. A culture room on the second floor contained constant temperature ovens, electric refrigerators, and boilers. There was a green house located on the roof.
Dr. Thomas Barbour, director of the Harvard University museums, and naturalist of international renown spoke at the dedication on April 28, 1933. The building was named in honor of Maryland Baptist who had raised money to build a new dormitory on campus. At Dr. Boatwright’s request they had agreed to let their gift be applied to the new Biology building instead. The shield of the state of Maryland is carved in stone above the two main entrances to the building.
When the Gottwald Science Center opened in 1977, the science departments moved there. Afterwards Maryland Hall was converted to use as an administrative building. Today it is home to: the Office of the President, the Provost’s Office, the Office of the Vice-President for Business and Finance, and the Advancement Office.
[1] UR’s web site currently describes the cloister simply as a “covered walk.”
Sources:
Alley, Reuben E. History of the University of Richmond, 1830-1971
UR website
VBHS building file