Bettie Davis Wood Hall
Site: On the north side of the lake, near Thomas Hall, Freeman Hall and Whitehurst
Construction began: October, 1955
Completed: September, 1956
Architect: Carneal & Johnston
Size: 17, 958 square feet
Increased enrollment by students wishing to live on campus led to the building of new residence halls. Bettie Davis Wood Hall was one of these, built of red brick and limestone in the Collegiate Gothic style. The building originally intended to house approximately 75 male students, included a student lounge and quarters for the dormitory director. The Wise Construction Company was engaged to build the structure. Final cost was approximately $300,000.
Bettie Davis Wood was the wife a Richmond alumnus, Dr. Judson Wood. The building was financed in part by the First Baptist Church endowment fund. Mrs. Wood was a longtime member and supporter of the church. Upon her death in 1938 First Baptist received nearly $1 million dollars from her estate.
Today, Wood Hall serves as a residence for approximately 86 women.
Sources:
UR website
Alley, Reuben E. History of the University of Richmond, 1830-1971
Collegian 1955-1956, 2002