As we approach the end of the semester, we wanted to update you on the status of major maintenance projects, repairs and renovations across campus.
New Theatre Project
The theatre project has received the necessary funding for the demolition phase, including removing two residence halls – Russell and Marshall – and many trees around the site. This work has already begun, and when you return from winter break, the site will look different as we prepare for the new building.
It will take 90-120 days each to demolish Russell and Marshall Halls as we prep the buildings and then bring in the equipment to take them down in segments. The road at Marshall Hill remains closed and will not reopen as the theatre is added to this corner of campus.
As we remove trees around the theatre site, we will repurpose them as mulch for campus, as feasible. In addition, about a third of the trees will be repurposed and reused around campus and in the regional community, creating artistic, functional and educational installations. For example, oak, maple and black walnut trees may be milled and cured for use in the theatre lobby, interior-use benches or tables. Smaller trees, such as dogwood, magnolia and holly, could be shared with local woodworkers to create artisan pieces. Any unused wood may be sold to the wood-purchasing market with proceeds to support our UMW Campus Tree Fund.
We’ve partnered with the Virginia Department of Forestry for assistance with tree measurements and cataloging in advance of this phase of the project, along with contractors to complete the work, and we look to maintain Tree Campus status.
New Locker Rooms at the Battleground Athletic Complex
With the groundbreaking now complete for the new locker rooms, we’ve been working on the waterlines around the site. The modular units are expected this December and will take time to install on the site foundations. Thank you for working around the temporary detours on the Shell Trail.
In addition, we are working with Athletics to clean out the stone house adjacent to the fields for additional team use.
Foundation Work Around Campus Houses
Foundation work and repairs are in progress at Hamlet, Tyler, and Fairfax Houses, as well as the house at 1004 William St. Thank you for working around the noise and areas blocked off for these repairs.
Ball Hall Accessibility Improvements and Fairfax Lot Closure
Work continues at Ball Hall for accessibility improvements beginning with room updates to the first floor to make several suites accessible. We’ll also add on an elevator to be installed next summer 2027.
Please note that the Fairfax Lot will be closed over winter break so that materials can be moved on site. This lot will remain closed until fall 2026. Paths around this area will have a detour, and supplemental trash and recycling bins will be located at Custis and Madison Halls during the Ball Hall construction project.
Seacobeck Roof Renovation for the Weatherly Wing
Roof repairs have started for the Weatherly Wing in Seacobeck Hall and will continue on weekends through February. This work is limited to one wing of the building and will take place only on weekends and winter break to reduce the disruption to classes and other activities in the building during business hours. Seacobeck Hall is open during this roof renovation project, and the Weatherly Wing is available during the class schedule. Weekend availability will be limited during the roof repairs.
Simpson Library
We’ve paused the façade work at Simpson Library during the final weeks of the semester to facilitate quiet study spaces and will complete the project through the winter break and spring semester. The library remains open during the project. Check the website for hours and more information.
We appreciate you being aware of these projects. If you have concerns in campus buildings, including residence halls, please submit a work order online. For any questions, contact Assistant Vice President for Facilities and Capital Outlay Brian Gorham at bgorham@umw.edu.
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