9 December 2002

Longwood to break ground for flagship Ruffner Hall

On April 25, 2001, the day after a catastrophic fire destroyed the architectural heart of Longwood University, President Patricia P. Cormier told the campus and community, "Let me tell you again, Longwood remains strong and we will see the Ruffners and Grainger rise from the ashes and assume new life. This I promise you." Longwood University will take another step toward fulfilling that promise on Thursday, December 12, with the official groundbreaking for the Ruffners and signature Rotunda building.

The flagship of Longwood University--Ruffner Hall with its beautiful Rotunda--was completely destroyed by fire on April 24, 2001 during a major renovation. All of the historic memorabilia, paintings, plaques, and other mementos, including the dome paintings on the interior of the Rotunda dome, had been removed prior to the fire and will be returned to their rightful place once construction is completed in 2004. The original main Ruffner Hall and Rotunda were constructed in 1884.

This will be a special day for Longwood University and the town of Farmville, according to President Cormier: “The reconstruction of our beloved Rotunda marks a new beginning for Longwood and Farmville. We have been waiting for this day for a long time and we can hardly wait to see the Ruffners reborn.”

Ruffner Hall will be rebuilt to its former splendor based on the original plans and blueprints obtained from the state archives in Richmond under the direction of Kuntz & Associates Architects from Alexandria. Although the new Ruffner will look exactly like the old Ruffner on the outside, the inside will feature a wide range of improvements and amenities that will provide a technologically enhanced learning environment for students and faculty.

When completed in late 2004, the new Ruffner complex will encompass over 83,000 square feet and will provide 20 classrooms, 63 faculty offices and 28 offices for the Provost and staff of the Office of Academic Affairs.

The public is cordially invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony which will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the Bicentennial Park across High Street from the construction site. The special ceremony will feature some artifacts that were salvaged from the fire and that will be preserved for future exhibition.

In case of inclement weather, the program will be held in the Gallery of Lancaster Hall.