University of Virginia
IN-3: Innovation 3

The original Jefferson designed Academical Village of UVa is a shared UNESCO World Heritage site with Monticello and serves at the spiritual and cultural center for the University campus. The Academical Village is also listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and is a National Historic Landmark. While these are exceptional, even unique qualifications, this innovation credit focuses on the continual work underway to support and improve the Academical Village physically and culturally and while improving public accessibility to the resources it provides.

The Academical Village at the University of Virginia is one of the most iconic architectural sites in America, but time, constant use and the elements have left the Grounds in need of a full renovation and repair. The University is renovating the Jeffersonian Grounds to ensure they remain true to the University’s original, central purpose to engage, connect and inspire students and faculty, learners and scholars. Rotunda Renovation The Rotunda was partially renovated once, almost 40 years ago. It has been more than 108 years since it was rebuilt by McKim, Mead & White (following the substantial destruction of Jefferson’s building by fire). Time and the elements have left the building in need of extensive repairs, and the project also provides for new uses to make the building more accessible to students and the public once complete. In the summer of 2013 UVa replaced the roof and restored the masonry and windows on the drum of the building. The next phase, which will last two years, began in May 2014 and includes: •Complete structural and infrastructural renovation •Increased classroom, study, lecture and ceremonial use •Replacement of the marble column capitals •Repair of the terraces and marble stairs •Historic landscapes around the Rotunda •New visitor interpretive center •Renovation of the Dome Room Renovating the Pavilions The Pavilions house University faculty who live side by side with our Lawn students, preserving Jefferson’s original intention to create an “Academical Village.” Conserving our Historic Gardens and Landscapes The historic Pavilion gardens, Lawn, alleys and associated landscapes of the Jeffersonian Grounds serve as parks and contemplative space for all U.Va. students, faculty and staff as well as visitors to the Grounds. Restoring the Lawn and Range One distinction of the University of Virginia remains the Jeffersonian community of students on the Lawn and Range. Daily life is hard on 200-year-old buildings, and the lawn has been restored while the Range restorations are ongoing. Restoring the Hotels The Hotels of the Range once housed dining halls. The hotel keepers provided board and daily services to the students. Today they house offices, a student organization, and both faculty- and student-oriented dining facilities. Repairing the Colonnades Years of accumulated paint have trapped moisture and threaten the integrity of the supporting columns, which still house original Jeffersonian brick. The West Colonnade from Pavilion IX to V is next to be restored. Other important priorities for the Jeffersonian Grounds include conducting archaeological studies, conserving architectural artifacts and increasing students’ daily use of the Rotunda.

http://www.nps.gov/oia/topics/worldheritage/Nominations%20pdf/MONT%20UVA.pdf uvamag.com/unearthed