Ryder Hall, which now forms the “R” of the LXR Residence Hall, was constructed in 1898 as a residence for medical interns. The building was named for Father James Ryder S.J., an alumnus and then president of the University from 1840-45 and again from 1848-51. In 1919, the University renovated Ryder and transformed it into a residence for the hospital’s permanent employees and the hospital’s laundry.1
Jesuit Scholastic Housing
In 1948, the building transitioned into housing for the Jesuit Special Students. The Jesuit scholastics kept things lively, two of them notably making The Hoya for tackling a security guard who had stolen a six pack of beer from Ryder. Despite the security guard’s claim of just “testing the Jesuits’ security,” he was relieved of his position the following day.2
Student Housing
The Jesuit scholastics remained in Ryder until 1971, when the building became a dorm for approximately 36 undergraduate male students. In 1973, Ryder began housing the “French House” which consisted of 34 students who were either French majors or taking French courses and had committed to making French the dorm’s dominant language. 3In 1976, Ryder became the new home of the International Student House (ISH) after the Arts Project took over ISH’s original space in Xavier Hall. 4
Ryder received several minor renovations over the years including a laundry and kitchen renovation in 1974, window replacement in 1981, heating replacement in 1982, and the addition of roof insulation in 1984.
In 1994, Ryder Hall, along with Loyola Hall and Xavier Hall, was completely renovated for a total of $12.5 million. The three buildings received new plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems in addition to an interior reconfiguration that increased the number of beds from 90 to 280. Connecting bridges were built between the three buildings to create a single building, now known as LXR.
- 1Francis X. Ballman, "Ryder Hall," Building Outlines Campus Buildings, 1789 – 1995, Father Lawrence Hurley Memorial Edition, Francis X. Ballmann and the Division of Facilities, 1995, p. 93.
- 2“Vending Machines Pilfered Security Police Ineffective.” The Hoya. 24 Feb. 1967, p.1.
- 3Cynthia Burns McDonald, “French House Residents in ‘Strange’ Atmosphere.” The Hoya. 12 Oct. 1973, p.6.
- 4Mark McAdams, “Yokie Arts Floor Approval Will Move ISH to Ryder.” The Hoya. 6 Feb. 1976, p. 5.
