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UVA gives commission update on campus capital projects, new garages and housing
Summary
A University of Virginia representative updated the commission on several campus capital projects including a 1,200‑seat performing arts center, new graduate housing, two parking garages, a next‑generation geothermal heat plant and ongoing research park construction.
A University of Virginia representative briefed the Charlottesville Planning Commission on Sept. 9 about multiple campus capital projects and near‑term openings.
The representative said the School of Data Science and Entrepreneurship is advancing through a concept site design stage for a second phase immediately west of the existing school along Ivy Road. The commission heard that schematic design is underway for a 228,000‑square‑foot Center for the Arts that would include a 1,200‑seat Richard and Tessa Ader Performing Arts Center.
On housing, the representative said Darden Graduate Housing is under construction and on schedule for 2027 completion with 348 beds. A P3 project with Capstone Development in the Emmet IV corridor—referred to in the report as MN IV Corridor housing—was described as a 780‑bed project slated for 2027 completion.
Parking updates included the opening of Fontaine Garage, which staff said provides about 1,250 spaces and will serve many UVA Health staff, and progress at North Grounds Garage, described as an additional 1,000 spaces slated for completion in 2026. The representative said University Transportation Services will optimize commuter loops to route some commuters to the new Fontaine Garage in the coming months.
Athletics facilities included a ribbon cutting scheduled the week of the meeting for the Olympic Sports Center, described as new training space and dedicated locker rooms for multiple varsity sports. At Fontaine Research Park, staff reported schematic design for a research data center and that a biotechnology structure at the Manning Institute is nearing its topping out, with a fall 2027 opening projected. The representative also said a next‑generation geothermal heat plant at Fontaine is nearing completion and will provide thermal energy for new facilities.
The representative noted foundation housing projects at Wertland and Piedmont remain in design with financing and entitlements determining construction start dates; Wertland could begin as early as 2027 with Piedmont following one to two years later, pending rezoning and funding.
Other items briefly reported included a proposed renaming of the Federal Executive Institute to Sycamore Hill and a discussion about Oak Lawn’s future use. No formal action or votes on UVA projects were taken by the commission during the update.
The university representative concluded by saying staff would report further details to the commission after the Buildings and Grounds (BOB) meeting later in the week.
