Richardson Hall was completed in 1954 as an Administration Building. It was considered necessary because the administrative offices had long been located in the Douglas Library and were causing a great deal of congestion in the already busy building. It is named after James Armstrong Richardson, a graduate of Queens, a prominent Canadian businessman and Chancellor of the university from 1929 to 1939. It was quite opulent when built and created a great deal of criticism. It now houses the Principals Office, offices of several Vice-Principals and the University Secretariat.

The artist Richard Armstrong is known for hisCanadian art inspired by rural and historic landscape of Kingston and 1000 islands.