University of Richmond School of Law Renovation Complete as 2024–25 Academic Year Begins
Building is more functional, accessible, and inviting for students, faculty, and staff.
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — The University of Richmond has completed a multi-year renovation of the Richmond School of Law. The $27.5M project has transformed the law school building into a modern, inviting environment that better meets the needs of the Richmond Law community.
Construction began in early 2021, and the project was completed the week before the fall 2024 semester began.
“Most of our 420 law students commute to our campus and spend their entire day, day after day, in the law school,” said Wendy Perdue, dean of the Richmond School of Law. “We are delighted to have created a space that is more inviting, pleasant, and accommodating for not only our students but our faculty, staff, and visitors.”
The major goals of the multi-phased project were to enhance functionality and accessibility in the building and improve spaces for students. Highlights include:
- Providing additional study space, including for individual and group-focused work with a variety of seating and lighting options.
- Creating an open “town square” to serve as the community hub for the building, offering a space for students, faculty, and staff to relax and interact.
- Upgrading the classroom and Moot Court spaces.
- Moving the clinics and offices housed in a different building into the law school.
“There has been a noticeable energy change when you walk through the building,” said Perdue. “People are engaging in our central gathering space. People are studying in the way that best suits their needs. Our space is now consistent with being a community and connecting and caring for each other.”
The planning process for this renovation first began in 2018 for several smaller-scale projects, but when it was determined the HVAC system needed to be replaced, a more comprehensive plan for the entire Richmond School of Law building was developed. The last major renovation to the law school was in the early 1990s when additions, including the Moot Court Room, two classrooms, and a wing of the Law Library, were added.
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Our space is now consistent with being a community and connecting and caring for each other.
