Pending Gov. James S. Gilmore III's (R) approval, the University should soon obtain 110 acres of land to build the Blue Ridge Research Park, which would be the University's third such facility.
The proposed transfer of land also would include an additional 32-acre grant that the University may lease to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation, which plans to build a Monticello tourism and visitors center, said Leonard W. Sandridge Jr., executive vice president and chief operating officer.
The land lies south of Interstate 64 and east of Route 20, and the proposed Blue Ridge Research Park will have similar goals as the existing Fontaine Research Park, Sandridge said.
Research parks heighten the University's academic allure by increasing faculty research opportunities and student internships. Private companies at the research parks also may donate equipment and hire University graduates as employees.
The University's research parks have earned it the distinction of being a category one research university, signifying the University as a top tier research university.
"I think it will be several years before construction begins," Sandridge said.
He said in the near future the University should demolish buildings currently on the land.
The land was used for a tuberculosis sanatorium and for the Blue Ridge Hospital until the University closed it in 1994.
The University worked with the Gilmore administration to obtain the transfer of land to the Real Estate Foundation, and because of their actions the governor worked with the General Assembly to authorize the bill.
Del. John Rust (R-Fairfax) introduced the bill, and local delegates Paul Harris (R-Albemarle) and Mitch Van Yahres (D-Charlottesville) co-sponsored the bill.
The University's other two research parks - the U.Va. Research Park at North Fork and the Fontaine Research Park - both focus mainly on science research.
Research Park is not the only current expansion of the University's research parks. Fontaine Research Park earned approval from the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors last September to expand its land.
Read More
Virginia Attorney General Speaks On Free Speech And Criminal Justice Reform
By Vyshnavi Tatta | YesterdayMiyares said pursuing repeat criminal offenders is a more crucial step in reducing crime, saying that studies show a small percentage of criminals commit a majority of crimes.
Student Council passes summer budget, bill supporting allergy policy reform
By Arshiya Pant | YesterdayThe biggest expenditure categories outlined in the summer 2024 budget were CIO Consultant funds and Support and Access Services, respectively receiving $67,000 and $65,950.
New Vice President of Research Lori McMahon aims to work towards U.Va.’s 2030 plan
By Caroline Hagood | YesterdayMcMahon said she was drawn to the University after reading the University's 2030 plan and that she was inspired by the vision of President Jim Ryan and other University leaders.
