University Summer Construction Completed: What’s Next for Students and Campus Life?

Following several construction projects this summer, the University is gearing up for some exciting developments, especially at the Ivy Corridor and Fontaine Research Park. Mark Stanis, the director of capital construction, shared updates on these projects that will benefit students.

Upcoming Projects

At the Ivy Corridor, the Virginia Guesthouse is set to open in spring 2026. It will feature a welcoming space called “the living room” for everyone in the community, along with a hotel and conference center above. The Karsh Institute of Democracy is also in the pipeline and expected to wrap up in 2026. By Fall 2027, there will be 780 new beds for upperclass students in University-affiliated housing.

Meanwhile, Fontaine Research Park is also buzzing with activity. A new parking garage has just been completed, and there’s a 350,000-square-foot Manning Institute of Biotechnology planned. This site will also host the University’s first fossil-fuel-free energy plant to provide heating and cooling.

In addition to University projects, two new apartment buildings, Blume on Ivy and VERVE, are being built to offer more off-Grounds housing for students.

Recent Projects

Summer saw the completion of two significant projects: the expansion of McIntire School of Commerce and the new Harrison Family Olympic Sports Center. Students have praised the new Shumway Hall, with commerce student Cyrus Sharafi mentioning how its welcoming atmosphere is beneficial for studying.

The Harrison Sports Center, which recently celebrated its opening, will provide much-needed facilities for student athletes. Stanis highlighted how this upgrade will replace outdated modular locker rooms that have been in use since the demolition of University Hall nearly a decade ago.

Additionally, the new Fontaine parking garage will ease parking challenges for faculty and staff, fitting 1,240 vehicles and featuring 14 electric vehicle chargers. The first phase of the Central Grounds Accessibility Project has improved access from Central Grounds Garage to the Lawn, with a second phase set for completion next summer.

Conclusion

While construction continues, the University aims to minimize disruptions to student life. Updates can be found on the Facilities Management website. As these projects roll out, they promise to enhance campus life significantly.

Source link