Though the Rotunda is always the subject of ongoing historic preservation, the iconic Jeffersonian structure could be getting more than just a new coat of paint if a major renovation plan is approved by the University.
John G. Waite Associates of New York, an architectural firm that works extensively in historic preservation, currently is working with University officials on plans to make the Rotunda a more accessible and student-centric building on Grounds. Some members of the University community have argued that the current use of the structure does not echo the spirit of Jefferson's original plans for the Rotunda, which included both classrooms and a library.
"Sometimes we'll give tours and see a student studying in there," said Chris Hildner, University Guide and fourth-year College student. "But, in general, it goes unused by students, which I think is too bad."
While the possibilities of hosting classes in the building and opening the double doors facing the Lawn for pedestrian traffic are under consideration, immediate structural and maintenance issues will be dealt with first, according to University Architect David Neuman. The last major renovations to the Rotunda took place in 1976, and since then the building has suffered from a number of mechanical and electrical issues. In addition, the structure will have to be retrofitted to meet standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, he said. Still, precautions must be taken to ensure that maintenance work does not detract from the historic integrity of the Rotunda.
"Before you embark on any maintenance, you want to make sure you're not going to do any damage to this historic fabric of the building," Neuman said.
The Rotunda is not only a University treasure but a world treasure, Neuman said, as it is a United Nations World Heritage Site. He added that this special designation will play a role in the University's renovation planning.
"The building is visited by thousands and thousands of people every year," Neuman said, noting that the University should take caution not to change too much of the building's current use. "If it were dedicated to some other academic use, how would that conflict with public accessibility that's a part of the World Heritage Site?"
Questions like these, compiled with the extensive history of the Rotunda, will be a major part of the University's discussion with Waite Associates concerning future plans for the structure, Neuman said. University officials, however, stress that specifics of the renovation will remain vague until a final historic building survey is completed.
"The purpose of a historical buildings survey is to determine what is needed, if anything, and what issues arise when we consider restoring a specific building, in this case, the Rotunda," University President John T. Casteen, III stated in an e-mail. "How necessary a restoration may be comes out in the report, if it is well done."
Currently, the Rotunda hosts Board of Visitors meetings in its meeting rooms and major events in its Dome Room. The ground level of the Rotunda houses the offices of the University architect, senior vice president for development, vice president for student affairs and the Board of Visitors. Even though no classes are housed in the building, some students still say it is a focal point of their University experience.
"I've been to countless dinners and speakers in the Dome Room," fourth-year college student Maggie Byrne said. "Even though I don't have a class in there, it's still a central aspect of my life as a student"
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