Behind the scenes at UR
Article by Mike Koch, photo courtesy UR Facebook page
If you have been around the UR campus this summer, you’ve no doubt noticed a lot of construction activities, including a number of new buildings going up, as well as a significant road closure. These are all a part of UR’s 2011 Campus Master Plan. I recently met with Mr. Andrew McBride, Assistant Vice President for Facilities and University Architect, to discover what construction is in the works now and what is planned for the coming years.
The 2011 Campus Master Plan is very comprehensive; there are 27 projects in Phase 1 and 21 in Phase 2. No project is funded until approved by the Board of Trustees; most of the Phase 1 projects have a plan for funding, which is not the case for Phase 2 projects. Phase 1 projects are completed as needs arise and not in any particular sequence.
Three major projects were completed in August of this year: UR Drive-Henrico Side was realigned to make it the primary north/south route through campus – you are now able to see Boatwright Library tower as you take UR Drive. The Richmond Side will be done next summer. Two residence halls were completed, one on the Westhampton side and one on the south side of campus on UR Drive near the University Forest Apartments. Finally, Robins Center is currently undergoing minor renovations to the team locker rooms not previously renovated.
Here are a few of Phase 1 projects planned, but not started: renovations of Millhiser Gym and landscape improvements between Tyler Haynes Commons and the Steam Plant. The new Queally Center for Admission and Career Services will break ground in early 2015.
Some of the major Phase 2 projects are: an addition to Boatwright Library, two parking decks on campus – one each on the north and south side of campus, new cottages to provide housing for visiting scholars, and renovations to Tyler Haynes Commons and selected residence halls.
Visit the complete 2011 Campus Master Plan; pages 80-85 list all the projects in Phases 1 and 2, plus maps.