The Rotunda Renovation

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• published: 01 Mar 2013
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The capitals atop the Rotunda's columns were shrouded in protective netting after it was discovered that they were crumbling from age and a variety of other issues. Thomas Jefferson intended the Rotunda, which he called a "temple of knowledge," to be the centerpiece of the Academical Village; it housed the heart of the University operations—the library and classrooms. The Rotunda and associated grounds are now in critical need of extensive repairs. The renovation, which began in May 2012, will span several years. What specific repairs and renovations are being done? The Rotunda renovation includes extensive infrastructure upgrades and exterior repairs. The initial phases are addressing conditions that threaten the building's integrity and include significant roof repairs, column capital restoration, masonry repairs, and window restoration. Panels in the Dome Room will be replaced with a better acoustical control system; lightning protection will be greatly improved; and a new elevator installed. Later phases of the project will entail improvements to the Rotunda's interior infrastructure and restoration of the surrounding landscape. The building's aging infrastructure, including plumbing, electrical, audio/visual, heating/air conditioning, and fire protection, will be upgraded. Portions of the building may be adapted to allow for classroom use. The current total estimated cost is $50.6 million. How will the University pay for the Rotunda renovation? The University envisions the $50.6 million project as a private-public effort. A small portion of the University's endowment and annual gift funding is available for historic preservation projects such as the Rotunda renovation and is being used to launch the initial planning and early execution of the renovation's multiple phases. The majority of the private share of the project will be raised through the University's fundraising efforts. University leaders have also worked to secure support in the public arena. In late 2010 U.Va. petitioned the Virginia General Assembly to provide its share of the Rotunda renovation. In April 2011 the General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to allocate $2.7 million for repairs to the roof of the Rotunda. The remainder of the $26 million request to the state is pending further legislative action. What are the next steps in the Rotunda renovation? To assist in the planning process and provide input for developing design guidelines, the Office of the Architect, as part of the first phase of the work, convened a colloquium of experienced preservation professionals, responsible government agency representatives, faculty, graduate students, members of the Board of Visitors, senior administrators, and special guests. Participants responded to a draft recommendation for restoring the Rotunda and the rest of the Academical Village that was prepared by the Office of the Architect for the University and its Historic Preservation Advisory Board. The final version of this recommendation was presented to the Board of Visitors at their June 2011 meeting. The board accepted the conclusions that the Rotunda and the rest of the Academical Village should be planned in accordance with standards acceptable to maintain the World Heritage Site designation, as well as the Rotunda's National Historic Landmark status.