<
 
Photograph courtesy of Phil Edwards
 
Lasting only a few semesters, the former HoJo's turned Rockingham Hall was closed as a dorm after JMU's spring 2004 term. At the time, university officials determined that it would be cost prohibitive to bring the buildings up to code for an occupancy permit that they didn't know that they were required to obtain. Moreover VDOT plans from 1999 called for it to acquire the site in order to demolish the facility for I-81's planned expansion.
 
 
 
 
Photographs courtesy of Ben Schumin
 
 
 
 
 

While a student at JMU, Ben Schumin was able to access and document the former Harrisburg HoJo's in what seemed to be its last hour.

Above: Original plans for the Gate Lodge had been to make it into a common area for the residents of Rockingham Hall, but it instead became a dumping ground for colorful desk/chairs. Unfortunately the Gate Lodge was never fully utilized and was demolished in June of 2005.

Lower: Once converted into dorm and office space, the swimming pool was filled in and all of its decking and sidewalks were removed. Hopefully someone removed and preserved Mr. Tucker's Spire and Lamplighter.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
<