Beginnings of Rhoads Hall

700 Block W. Franklin Street, early 1900's

Pace Memorial Methodist Church, would have been adjacent to Rhoads Hall, caught fire and was destroyed in December 1966 during building of Rhoads Hall.

Project estimate letter for Rhoads Hall, from architects Lee, King and Poole. The final cost including furnishings was 3,250,000.00.

Top picture shows the 3 homes that existed where Rhoads Hall is today.  The bottom picture is Rhoads Hall being built.  The church to the far right caught fire in December 1966 and was destroyed.

Drawing of Rhoads Hall from the dedication pamphlet, May 1968.

Specifics on Rhoads Hall from the dedication pamplet in May 1968.

original entrance to Rhoads Hall, 1968.

Rhoads Hall was the first "on purpose" built dormitory for the new Virginia Commonwealth University and a symbol of great things to come.  Different from previous student living spaces, It is a 18 floor high-rise, able to accomodate over 700 students. The building was named for Webster S. Rhoads Jr.  Mr. Rhoads was born in Richmond in 1908, and worked for Miller & Rhoads for which his father was a co-founder. Mr. Rhoads made a contribution to the Richmond Professional Institute as chairman of the property and finance committee and served on the executive committee of RPI's board of visitors. He continued to lead RPI through its transition to VCU. Some people suggested that this living space was too big, and students would benefit more from living in the Victorian home type setting.