The Fall 2024 Semester at UVA has provided students on Grounds with a familiar sight and sound: that of construction and renovations across the University. A number of major projects have been completed, with new ones taking their place. Meanwhile, many smaller efforts to maintain the centuries-old university have continued, ensuring the prime condition of many historical buildings and portions of UVA. More information on each project can be found in the monthly Conditions and Impacts Report, which provides a helpful guide to each construction project on Grounds.
After the completion of Shannon Library’s major renovation last spring, Central Grounds is mostly free from construction for the first time in many students’ memories. This year has seen a number of other major projects finish construction in addition to the flagship library.
The new Contemplative Commons building next to Old Dorms and the School of Education has been completed, with doors opened to students. The old bridge over Emmet Street that once connected the School of Education to Central Grounds was demolished, and a smaller pedestrian walkway now runs between the Contemplative Commons to the Central Grounds Garage. Now, all that remains of the old bridge is a small exposed portion of the retaining wall next to the School of Education, while efforts to improve the landscaping along Emmet Street disguise the rest of the old structure.
Early last spring, the School of Data Science (“SDS”) was completed, with a major announcement this October celebrating a partnership between the School and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Next to the SDS rises the skeleton of the Virginia Guesthouse, a large new hotel and conference center. Construction is underway, with the impressive new structure visible from parts of North Grounds. Its expected completion date is early 2025.
Additional work is in progress, including a large building for the Karsh Institute of Democracy along Ivy Road, which should be completed in Quarter 4 of 2026. The Virginia Athletics Masterplan has also continued work with the completion of the second of three phases, with multiple new sports facilities and management areas. Finally, a new parking garage will be built in North Grounds in order to expand the area around the athletic buildings and fields.
Aside from these large-scale projects, many smaller and more incidental repairs and renovations are in progress or have already been completed. Work on some windows around Bryan Hall, elevator repairs at the UVA Bookstore parking garage, and the ubiquitous scaffolding along the Lawn have all continued throughout the semester. Meanwhile, the construction of Shumway and Cobb Halls has continued to progress after its announcement in 2022. Observatory Hill dining hall’s roof is also scheduled to undergo repairs, causing minor disruptions.
For many students, construction is a nuisance. However, these disruptions allow students to enjoy the quality and amenities provided by new buildings such as Shannon Library, which has become a major part of campus life, demonstrated by the constant flow of students and a frustrating lack of seats at times. Not only are major projects vital for the continued success of the university, but so too are the small inconveniences of repairing pillars and replacing windows. All considered, 2024 has been a clearly successful year for UVA’s construction efforts, and the coming years will see more exciting buildings rise.
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