Ryland Hall (Richmond, Virginia) Explained

Ryland Hall
Designated Other1:Virginia Landmarks Register
Designated Other1 Date:December 13, 2012[1]
Designated Other1 Number:127-0364-0001
Designated Other1 Num Position:bottom
Location:2 Ryland Circle, Richmond, Virginia
Coordinates:37.5775°N -77.5372°W
Architect:Ralph Adams Cram
Added:May 7, 2013
Mpsub:History and Architecture of the University of Richmond, 1834-1977
Refnum:13000261[2]

Ryland Hall is a historic academic building located on the University of Richmond campus in Richmond, Virginia. The building was originally built for Richmond College, which together with Westhampton College became the University of Richmond in 1920. It was designed by architect Ralph Adams Cram and built in 1913 in the Collegiate Gothic style. The brick, stone, and concrete building consists of two parallel wings, Robert Ryland and Charles Ryland halls, set apart by a connecting loggia. The three- to four-story building features leaded glass windows with Gothic tracery, decorative concrete sculptural elements, and a gable roof with slate shingles.[3]

It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013.[2]

In 2022, the University of Richmond renamed Ryland Hall to the Humanities Building in accordance with the Naming Principles adopted by the Board of Trustees on March 26, 2022.[4] Ryland Hall was renamed along with Puryear Hall, Sarah Brunet Hall, Jeter Hall, Thomas Hall, and Freeman Hall, now respectively known as Fountain Hall, the Refectory (reflecting its original purpose and name), Residence Hall #1, Residence Hall #2, and Residence Hall #3.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Virginia Landmarks Register. Virginia Department of Historic Resources. 19 March 2013.
  2. Web site: National Register of Historic Places Listings. 2013-05-17. Weekly List of Actions Taken on Properties: 5/06/13 through 5/10/13. National Park Service.
  3. Web site: National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Ryland Hall. Joanna McKnight and Lena Sweeten McDonald. October 2012 . Virginia Department of Historic Resources. and Accompanying six photos
  4. Web site: Naming Principles - Office of the Board of Trustees - University of Richmond . 2022-11-07 . trustees . en.
  5. Web site: BREAKING: UR renames six buildings tied to enslavers, eugenicists . 2022-11-07 . University of Richmond's Student Newspaper.