In a media tour of dilapidated University buildings yesterday, deans from the College pointed out the necessity of state money for renovation projects.
The tours are part of the College administration's effort to raise awareness of the proposed $846 million General Obligation Bond on the Nov. 5 ballot.
Yesterday on Carr's Hill, venture capitalist James B. Murray Jr. also kicked off a $3 million campaign to promote the bond.
If the referendum passes, $68.3 million will go to University construction and renovation projects.
The University's ability to continue to provide quality education is only possible with quality facilities, College Dean Edward L. Ayers said.
"You can't make bricks without straw," Ayers said. "And you can't teach without good classrooms."
If the bond referendum passes, $24.2 million of the money will go toward MR-6, a medical research building that will support research in cancer, immunology and infectious diseases.
John C. Herr, professor of cell biology and director of the Center for Contraceptive and Reproductive Health, said MR-6 will provide space needed for new research projects.
"We're in a unique position to take advantage of the human genome project," Herr said. "We can identify proteins in cells to figure out the structures of the gene, and then use those proteins to find vaccines for cancer. Already 135 patent disclosures have been named and patented at U.Va. in the last year."
Although the average life span of a building is about 35 years, the average age of a University building is 68 years.
If the referendum passes, six of the 35-year-old teaching laboratories in Gilmer Hall, one of the more outdated buildings, will be replaced.
Associate Dean for Planning and Operations Joseph E. Grasso described the failing ventilation system and the dust that falls from the ceiling onto the lab equipment in Gilmer Hall.
"This building has leaks all over the place," Grasso said. "We've had repeated floods, and it is ruining the research of some of our top faculty."
Cleaner air improves lab results and leaky air destroys them, said David Smith, associate chair of environmental sciences. "Insulation can get so old, it dry rots and flakes off," Smith said. "Renovating the labs will allow us to make sure our data is first-rate and quality."
While Gilmer Hall faculty members are hoping for new lab space, the Engineering school is hoping for a Materials Science Engineering and Nanotechnology Center, which will not have enough funding for construction if the bond referendum fails,Engineering Dean Richard Miksad said.
"Nanotechnology means doing things at the very smallest level," he said. "It is important because you can get properties at smaller quantities that you can't get with larger materials."
If the legislature passes the referendum, Miksad said, that will encourage wealthy donors to contribute more money.
"Donors like to believe that the state is willing to step forward and help. They want to feel that their money is being put to good use," he added.
Colette Sheehy, vice president for management and budget, responded to criticism that construction projects might be unwise while the University is in the midst of a budget crisis.
Because interest rates are below normal, at 5 percent, this year is an opportune time for a bond measure, Sheehy said.
"When interest rates are low, floating bonds is a low-cost way of building facilities," she said.
The other building targeted for renovation is Fayerweather Hall.
"It's not functional or safe space," Associate Studio Art Prof. William H. Bennett said. "We've outgrown it, and we're totally glad to move out."
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