Despite the concerns of several University and community members, the Jefferson Scholars Foundation's board formally has declared it will now begin construction of a planned Center for Jefferson Fellows, proceeding with plans that include knocking down what is known as the Beta House.
The site of the center -- which will serve as a unique space for graduate-level study, symposia, office space and a flourishing of intellectualism, according to Foundation Executive Director James Wright -- is currently occupied by an almost 94-year old house that was designed by noted Charlottesville architect Eugene Bradbury and previously housed Beta Theta Pi fraternity.
In February, the Foundation purchased the house -- formerly known as the Compton House, after ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. Robert Compton, who commissioned its building -- for $3 million. Soon after, Albemarle County revenue bonds were secured for the construction project. Controversy emerged when concerned community members learned the house might be knocked down, as opposed to renovated, as part of the construction and called for the preservation of the house because of its historical significance. When Foundation officials approached City Council for additional funding, Council members postponed granting further funds until they saw more specific plans regarding the fate of the house.
Despite this, Foundation officials have decided to knock down the house and construct the new building from scratch.
"We did a thorough study of the condition of the house," Wright said. "After our careful analysis and study, we determined that starting with a clean slate there would be the best option."
Wright said the house was dilapidated following years of disregard and use by fraternity brothers, adding that attempting to preserve the structure would not have allowed the Foundation to fully fulfill its goals.
In addition to being what Wright called "a powerful incentive for students to come to the University when they otherwise would not have," the estimated $8 million design will feature numerous environmentally conscious elements.
According to Foundation documents and a press release, the center's proposal calls for geothermal ground-source heat pumps, radiant under-floor piping, fan-less convectors, a rainwater harvesting system and many naturally sustainable building materials to ensure the center is mostly self-sufficient and non-damaging to its surroundings.
Several prominent local residents, however, have spoken out against the Foundation's decision to demolish the Beta House.
Charlottesville Mayor David Brown said he was "certainly disappointed" in the Foundation's decision, adding that he had been hoping for the Foundation to attempt to preserve the Beta House, thereby recognizing the historical importance of the building.
"It's a real shame," Brown said. "The City of Charlottesville and the University have an interest in preserving history; apparently, the Jefferson Scholars Foundation does not."
Brown added, though, that nothing legally could be done to prevent the house's demolition. The property is not designated by the city as a protected artifact -- a fact that both Wright and his Foundation's documents were quick to note.
Garth Anderson, vice-chair of the Albemarle County Historic Preservation Committee and University facilities management resource center manager, echoed Brown's sentiments, noting that the Beta House is a "nicely styled house speaking of a time period" with many design features -- such as a red tiled roof -- worth saving for their architectural and historical relevance.
Concerning the Foundation itself, Anderson said, "these are supposed to be learned men themselves that should know the value in preserving our history."
Anderson added that he believes the Foundation did not want to make changes to the graduate center's plan, even after community members voiced their dissatisfaction.
Wright said, though, that the construction of the Foundation's new center on the site of the soon-to-be-razed Beta House was simply "the best thing to do."
The Center for Jefferson Fellows is scheduled to be completed by fall 2009, according to the Foundation.
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