While it has practical energy saving benefits, O'Neal says the blocks give "a beautiful unity and a repose not always found in libraries today."
The building was named for Virginia lawyer Robert M. Hughes, who helped establish the Norfolk division of William & Mary in 1930 along with J.
A. C. Chandler, Joseph Healy and Albert Foreman[1] It was dedicated with speech on "The Place of the College Library" by historian Louis B. Wright, editor of the colonial diaries of William Byrd II of Westover.
[2] Beginning in 2009, the building – which had been renamed to Dragas Hall – was extensively renovated to unify the architectural character of Kaufmann Mall, bring the building into compliance with requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act, and upgrade the interior for modern technological needs.
This resulted in a complete reconfiguration of the building, including the removal of the solar screen, alteration of the roof line, and the addition of a rounded glass atrium.