Richmond Hall
Site: East side of Gumenick Quadrangle
Dedication: October 24, 1930
Architect: Charles M. Robinson Architects; Cram and Ferguson, consulting architects
Size: 24,520 square feet
Cost: $45,515
Renovation: 1977, by Caudill, Rowlett and Scott
Richmond Hall is one of three of 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. According to Reuben Alley the building was named Richmond Hall in honor of a successful fund raising campaign.
The building was dedicated at a ceremony held at 11:15 a.m. on Friday, October 24, 1930. President Karl T. Compton, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology delivered the address. A conference of visiting scientists was held that afternoon followed by a lecture by Dr. Roscoe H. Spencer, director of the Hygiene Laboratory of the U.S. Public Health Service. Dr. Spencer was a University of Richmond alumnus, graduating in 1909. Dr. Spencer’s lecture presented information on his ground breaking work on Rocky Mountain Fever for which he had received an award from the American Medical Association.
When it opened, Richmond Hall housed the Physics department and provided temporary space for art students to work. Prior to moving into Richmond Hall, the Physics department had been housed in temporary quarters in Puryear Hall.
When the Gottwald Science Center opened in 1977, the science departments moved there. Today Richmond Hall is home to the Psychology Department, the Career Development Center, and the Office of Counseling and Psychological Services.
Sources:
Alley, Reuben E. History of the University of Richmond, 1830-1971
UR website
VBHS building file