Although many students will be gone, life on Grounds will be as busy as ever during the summer as numerous construction projects swarm the University.
Now that phase one of the Rotunda renovation project is complete, work will begin on the inside of Mr. Jefferson’s “temple of knowledge.” The project will focus primarily on mechanical and electrical systems, elevators and renovation of the Rotunda Dome room.
Perhaps most notably, when students return next semester the scaffolding surrounding the exterior will be completely removed.
Incoming first-years will benefit from the initiation of Phase IV of the Alderman Road Replacement Project, which will include the demolition of Fitzhugh and Dunnington dormitories, as well as the completion of two new five-story residence halls: Lile-Maupin and Tuttle-Dunnington.
Similar to Balz-Dobie and Watson-Webb, these new dorms will abandon suite-style dormitories for a more traditional hall-style. The dorms will include laundry facilities, quiet and group study lounges, larger common rooms, a mail room and classroom spaces.
Housing and Residence Life expects the dorms will be ready in time to house students from the class of 2017 when they arrive in August.
Additionally, repairs on the McCormick Road Bridge are slated to begin soon after Final Exercises. Built in 1930, the bridge was deemed unable to withstand vehicles weighing more than eight tons last summer. The repairs will allow University Transit System buses to resume their routes through Central Grounds.
Renovations on New Cabell Hall are also well underway and will continue throughout the summer. New interior finishes, meeting rooms and lounge spaces complement the installation of new heating and air conditions systems to complete the building’s new modernized look.
The project will also include a courtyard between the building and Old Cabell Hall.
Although the project is expected to be fully finished by the end of the 2013-14 school year, some new classrooms will be available for use in the fall.
Read More
D.C. baseball legend Ryan Zimmerman to deliver keynote Valedictory address
By Xander Tilock | 3 hours agoFamously nicknamed “Mr. National” for his many contributions to the Washington, D.C. franchise, Zimmerman is considered one of the most successful alumni in Virginia baseball history.
Administrators and faculty paint conflicting pictures of May 4 encampment clearing
By Cecilia Mould and Finn Trainer | 3 days agoThe details contested between the town halls included the clarity of the University’s tent policy and the presence of suspicious individuals at the encampment.
Faculty Senate calls for an external review of May 4 clearing of encampment
By Priya Kommu | 3 days agoSenators had questions about the lack of direct communication between University administrators and the students and faculty present at the encampment.
