University of Virginia Library

Newcomb Hall

A major center of student
activity is Newcomb Hall, just
across McCormick Road from the
West Range. Newcomb Hall was
built during the 1950's despite
vociferous student opposition,
according to a member of the
faculty, which stemmed from fears
that a student center would be one
more step in the direction of the
University becoming a stereotyped
"state university."

Newcomb Hall is widely used
today, however. On the first floor
are vending machines, a TV room, a
grill, a bookstore supplied with
literature ranging from Black Power
to English 101, a post office, and a
ride board where students who
need rides or passengers to and
from points around the country can
advertise their case. The second
floor houses the Open Square and
Contract Cafeterias, a bank, and an
ever-changing art display.