The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Main Hall

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Main Hall (as Roanoke College, presentation drawing, 1909), Averett University

Main Hall (photograph, 1912), Averett University

Main Hall (as Roanoke Institute, presentation drawing, 1910), Averett University

Main Hall (as Roanoke Institute, photograph, 1911), Averett University

Main Hall (as Roanoke Institute, plan of basement, 1911), Averett University

Main Hall (as Roanoke Institute, plan of first floor, 1911), Averett University

Main Hall (as Roanoke Institute, plan of second floor, 1911), Averett University

Main Hall (as Roanoke Institute, plan of third floor, 1911), Averett University

Main Hall (aerial view, ca. 1964), Averett University

Main Hall (front facade, 1964), Averett University

Institution Name: Averett University
Original/Historic Place Name: Roanoke Institute
Location on Campus: 420 W. Main St.
Date(s) of Construction and Designer(s):

1910-1911	original construction McLaughlin, Pettit & Johnson
1955	addition of two three-story wings Unknown

Type of Place: Individual building
Style(s): (Glossary)
Materials:

Foundation: none specified

Walls: brick

Roof: none specified

Function:

ca. 1911	other (parlors)
ca. 1911	auditorium
ca. 1911	other (business offices)
ca. 1911	classrooms
1911-present (2007)	residence hall
ca. 2004-present (2007)	other (storage)
ca. 2004-present (2007)	other (bookstore in basement)
ca. 2004-present (2007)	administration

Significance: architecture, education
Landmark designation:

none

Narrative: see below
References: see below

Narrative:
Main Hall is a three-story Georgian revival with a red-brick façade and central pedimented portico. The building, however, means more to the community for its educational associations than for its architecture because it has served as the main building of the school for nearly 100 years. Just after the turn of the century, the president and trustees of the college agreed to move the campus of the liberal arts school to the outskirts of Danville, where a modern building could be constructed that would provide adequate space and would include indoor plumbing. In 1910-1911 the current building was erected, designed by the architectural firm of Pettit, McLaughlin and Johnson.

In 1955 two three-story wings were added to the sides of the structure, and over the years many alterations have been made to the inside of the building. Yet Main Hall is today, as in the past, the center of the institution. It sits in a prominent location on a major thoroughfare through town and is the oldest educational facility still in use in Danville.

References:

I. Bibliographic sources:

Cahill, Mary, and Gary Grant. Victorian Danville: Fifty Two Landmarks: Their Architecture and History. Danville, VA: Womack Press, 1977.

Gray, David Wesley. "A History of Averett College." M. A. thesis, University of Richmond, 1960.

Hayes, J. I. A History of Averett College. Danville, VA: Averett College Press, 1984.

Main Building of Roanoke Institute (Averett College). Preliminary information request. Richmond, VA: Department of Conservation and Historic Resources/Division of Historic Landmarks, 1988.

II. Location of other data:

University: Library, Special Collections