The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

North Court

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North Court (ground floor plan), University of Richmond

Institution Name: University of Richmond
Original/Historic Place Name: North Court
Location on Campus: 40 Westhampton Way
Date(s) of Construction:

1912-1914

original construction Cram, Ralph Adams

Designer: Ralph Adams Cram
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Gothic revival, Other (Glossary)
Significance: architecture
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: concrete

Walls: masonry (brick and limestone)

Roof: slate

Function:

ca. 1914	private residence (Dean's residence)
ca. 1914	dining hall
ca. 1914-present (2006)	classrooms
ca. 1914-present (2006)	faculty offices
ca. 1914-present (2006)	residence hall (women)
ca. 2004-present (2006)	student union
ca. 2004-present (2006)	auditorium

Narrative:
North Court was an important part of Ralph Adams Cram's plan for the University. It was executed in his renowned Collegiate Gothic style as a complete women's college.

As the single building for Westhampton College, North Court accommodated student rooms, the refectory (food service), faculty offices, and even the Dean's residence. In addition, while women took some classes elsewhere (see submission for Ryland Hall), other classes were particular to women and met in North Court classrooms.

Today, the building continues to house women residents in original spaces and to accommodate faculty offices and classrooms. A recital hall and social hall occupy former refectory spaces. Like most university buildings, nearly one hundred percent of the original "building fabric" remains in use. The building underwent substantial preservation/restoration activities in 1988 and 1993.

References:

Alumni Magazine. University of Richmond, Richmond, VA.

The Collegian, [n.d.]. University of Richmond, Richmond, VA.

"Minutes of Board of Trustees." University of Richmond, Richmond, VA.