Never ending and always slightly inconvenient, UVA’s construction projects are still quite important to the future of the University. This article comes after the completion of the now-Shannon Library, which was likely the largest and most impactful project last year. However, while the scaffolding has come down, plenty of construction sites still remain. The information in this article will summarize all reported construction in Central Grounds, as well as major projects across the entire university.
There are a few projects ongoing around Central Grounds. Since the start of the semester, the Amphitheater roof has been under repair, projected to be completed by May of this year. Additionally, columns and railings along the Lawn will continue to be repainted and repaired for the foreseeable future given their constant usage as . The estimates are for the completion of general inspections and repairs on parts of the Lawn by 2026. In all honesty, considering I cannot remember a single time when part of the Lawn wasn’t undergoing some form of renovation, I’d recommend UVA just say “indefinite renovations at the Pavilions” at the bottom of each report.
While UVA has largely finished construction at Shannon Library, some work remains on the building’s windows and on the landscaping around the former construction area. The final result will likely be the first time almost everyone at the University will see an actual field at “Nameless Field.” Some further construction will occur at Clemons, which will be a major disappointment for some of the many students who want to “go to the library” without actually studying at said library. There might also be small repairs of the “pergola,” on the wings of Old Cabell Hall, or as Google tells me, the slightly inconvenient wood lattice structure which provides neither shade nor cover from rain, or other conceivable value.
The final Central Grounds project is the major renovation of the new McIntire building, to be called “Shumway Hall.” After the partial demolition of neighboring Cobb Hall, a new building will rise along Jefferson Park Avenue, and at long last, it will once again be possible to walk directly to JPA from the East Range- something your author is greatly excited about.
A few other major projects outside Central Grounds are also ongoing. First is the slight expansion of the Scott Stadium scoreboard. The biggest impact this project will likely have is slightly changing bus routes in the area, and annoying visitors with the partial closure of Alderman Road. Fortunately, this construction will replace the decaying and downright ancient board made centuries ago in… 2009.
Since 2021, the former extended parking area of the UVA School of Education has been transformed into a large modernist polygon. The goals for the building are not exactly clear, but the University seems to hope to potentially house some classes there, as well as filling some of the exact same meditative and communal space goals as the new Student Health and Wellness Center, opened in late 2021. The so-called “Contemplative Commons” building is likely to be completed by the end of 2024, which will be excellent news for students looking forward to the new bridge included in the project- a vast 100 or so feet away from the existing southern crossing of Emmet Street, though it will offer disability access. Once completed, first-year students will receive a brand new building nearby their dormitory areas- one which all other years will likely never set foot inside- and traffic on Emmet Street will become slightly more bearable.
Another major project north of Central Grounds is the “Ivy Corridor,” between the athletics center and the IRC, which has been under construction in the past few years. This area has become the focus of a significant amount of new development, including the long-awaited demolition of the old motel’s burnt remains. Since 2017, plans have been made to finally remove the husk and replace it with a new development. In 2023, this finally occurred, and there might be plans for a new and larger hotel in its stead. However, given the timeframe for demolition alone, the lot will likely remain mostly vacant for the near future.
Across the road has seen significant development, however. The new School of Data Science and the surrounding landscaping is practically completed, while nearby a large new hotel is rising around the existing Emmet Street parking garage. A new building for the Karsh Institute of Democracy is also planned in the area. The Ivy Road area has seen other developments, including a private venture to improve local housing, which could increase the attractiveness of UVA’s new “Ivy Corridor” just down the road. Of course, this project for new housing was vehemently opposed by UVA, much to the chagrin of just about everyone.
Another major construction project is happening slightly north of the Ivy Corridor, where UVA is making significant renovations to the Virginia Athletics administration buildings. New sports fields and both administrative and sports facilities are also under construction. Most of the initial construction has been completed, and some of the buildings have seen significant progress. According to UVA, this marks the completion of the first of three phases.
Lastly, the two new dormitories of Gaston and Ramazani are on the verge of completion on Brandon Avenue ahead of the 2024-5 academic year and their inauguration as upperclassmen housing, with sidewalks and final details in progress. Unfortunately for everyone, none of these projects include the addition of a permanent HAZMAT team in the Chemistry building. As frustrating as most of this work can be for the student body, it is undeniable that UVA is seeing a renaissance in construction, and the University will look even better and larger in the coming years.
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