Friday, November 02, 2007

They're tearing down the VCU Larrick Center!?

Larrick Center as it looks today in 2007

Although I can find few others with affection for it, I'm sorry to
learn that VCU is tearing down the Jonah Larrick Student Center
at the MCV campus in December, 2007.
Built originally as the Virginia Civil War Centennial Center
and opened in September, 1961, it has functioned for many
years as the student activities center for MCV campus
students at VCU. It was named for the former YMCA director
at MCV, Jonah Larrick.


Larrick Center as it looked in the early 1960s as
the Virginia Civil War Centennial Center

Sure, it's impractical, non-functional, and expensive to heat and cool.
Some would even say it's "funny looking", but therein lies its charm.
in fact, it always reminded me of Ream's Turtle.....


Ream's Turtle in Provo, Utah (now gone)

With the destruction of Ream's Turtle ( a skating rink converted
to grocery store) in Provo, Utah and now Larrick Center in
Richmond, it's been a tough year or two for weird building lovers.
Interesting Note:
Ream's Turtle collapsed of its own accord only minutes before its
demolition ceremony, according to the article linked above.
That somehow seems a more dignified way to go.

1 Comments:

At 28/4/08 12:07 PM, Blogger Dan Ream said...

Demolition dates are now set for
April 28-May 12th, with the roof coming down on or about May 2nd.
You can watch it via Webcam at
http://www.vcu.edu/ramcam/cabaniss/control/

 

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