Several significant facilities projects are taking shape in small and large ways beginning over spring break and in the weeks following.
Several significant projects are taking shape in small and large ways beginning over spring break and in the weeks following.
New Theatre Project
The first phase of site preparation is well underway, with the demolition of Marshall and Russell Halls at the corner of William St. and Sunken Road. Much of the prep work for this part of the project happened before any bricks or trees were removed, as we coordinated with architectural partners and members of the Historic Preservation and Alumni Engagement areas to inventory each building, identifying not only historically relevant materials, but also culturally significant artifacts that speak to the legacy of these storied buildings.
Alumni have reserved bricks as a keepsake, and we have saved period-artifacts from each building, as well as small mementos. We also worked with area residents and the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank to repurpose window AC units for the community. Trees from the site will be repurposed in a variety of ways, both for reuse within the new building and across campus.
As a reminder, construction sites and the parking areas closed for the projects are off limits. These fenced areas are part of the construction site.
More information about this capital project is available on the facilities website, and information will be shared about a groundbreaking as that stage of the project approaches.
Athletics Facilities
The groundbreaking for the locker rooms was celebrated in the fall, the foundations were completed and delivery of the modular units is expected this spring. In addition, several renovations and repairs are being worked on in the stone house adjacent to the fields to re-open it for team use.
In the University Tennis Center, energy-efficient lighting is being installed as part of a campus-wide energy infrastructure project. Courts will close intermittently as upgrades are made.
Accessibility Improvement Projects
The upgrades in Ball Hall are underway with a lot closure at Fairfax Lot for materials, and a short detour planned for the front of Ball Hall as the accessible ramp is installed this spring. For the 2026-2027 academic year, Ball Hall will reopen. Then Bushnell Hall will be closed for the 2026-2027 academic year to undergo accessibility and utility updates.
In addition, over the summer, Jepson Hall and Combs Hall will have classroom updates for accessibility improvement.
Campus Walk Upgrades
Campus Walk, sidewalks and streets around campus will be cleaned up following the winter weather to remove the sand and salt treatments from our pathways. Look for additional upgrades later this academic year, including new wayfinding signage and new benches. Anew metal bench style will be introduced, which maintains a classic look while significantly reducing long-term maintenance and improving durability. These new benches will gradually replace the teak benches.
Additional Updates
The roof work for the Weatherly Wing in Seacobeck Hall is now complete and the space will reopen for weekend scheduling.
Thanks for your patience during these recent projects and work throughout campus. More information is available for each of these projects on the Campus Construction website. For any questions, contact Executive Director of Facilities Operations Brian Gorham at bgorham@umw.edu.
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