Work on several projects across campus will take place this summer. Please pardon the dirt and dust!
We hope you have an enjoyable summer break, whether it’s a long-break at home or adventures abroad, or if you are joining us back on campus for a summer session or two. We’ll continue to work on several projects across campus this summer and want to alert you to the major areas for construction, renovations, and signage updates, as well as general campus improvements that you may see in progress. Please pardon the dirt and dust!
New Theatre Project
With demolition of Marshall and Russell Halls nearly complete, the site at the corner of William St. and Sunken Road is ready for construction of the new theatre. Thanks to everyone who joined us for the groundbreaking this spring. Follow along with the project via the timelapse video on the website.
George Washington Hall Roof and Chiller Replacements
We have two projects for George Washington Hall this summer. The chiller for GW Hall will be replaced May 18-29, and during that timeframe the building will not have AC. Offices in GW may telework during that time or use space in other areas of campus, so please call or email ahead of visiting the building during the project timeline. The roof on George Washington Hall will be replaced later this summer following orientation sessions, July 1 through August 19. Offices in the building may be open during this time, but events will be limited in Dodd Auditorium. If upper floor closures are needed during specific dates, those will be shared with the building as needed.
Accessibility Improvement Project
New ramps are in progress for Ball Hall and Madison Hall and the interior renovations for Ball Hall will be completed this summer to bring the building back online for residents in the fall. Accessibility improvements include the addition of an elevator (to be completed in 2027) and room updates to the first floor to make several suites accessible.The Fairfax Lot is open temporarily for move-out and Commencement and will continue to be fenced and offline through the end of the project, as it’s used for equipment and materials for the renovations in Ball Hall. Bushnell Hall will be offline in 2026-27 for accessibility improvements. For additional information on accessibility improvements, visit the Facilities website.
UMW Apartments
This summer, we are installing building meters for the gas lines servicing the UMW Apartments. This project includes boring underground from the parking lot to each building. The parking lot at the UMW Apartments may be periodically closed during the summer project.
Campus Walk Upgrades
Throughout the year, we’ve made small improvements and repairs to brickwork along Campus Walk, and recently added new benches as part of ongoing campus improvements. The new benches maintain a classic look while offering significantly greater durability and far less ongoing maintenance than the teak benches they are replacing. We’ve loved the prior benches for many years and they’ve weathered overtime from the elements and frequent use. They also require frequent repairs. This update to painted metal benches provides a long-term maintenance solution.
Parking Lot Repaving and Painting Striping
Later in the summer, repaving and repainting striping will take place in several parking lots including the William St. parking lot, UMW Apartments, Combs Loop, Fairfax Lot, Monroe Lot, Woodard Lot and Sunken Road Lot near the Alvey Deck. Look for parking announcements as each area is temporarily closed.
Double Drive and College Avenue Projects
Parking along Double Drive will be closed briefly May 3-7 for holly tree trimming. Later this summer, we’ll work on roadway improvements to repaint pedestrians walkways and improve signage and reminders for both pedestrians and drivers about the intersection with College Avenue. Additional parking signage for College Avenue will be installed in partnership with the City of Fredericksburg. Look for updates from Parking Management as we begin the new school year. In addition, we’ll be cleaning and painting the bridge across Route beginning May 11. Please look for intermittent detours.
Wayfinding Signage Updates
Wayfinding signage installation will take place May 12-15 at building entrances across the Fredericksburg Campus. The installation team will work in two locations at the same time, beginning from Route 1 and ending at the Battleground Athletic Complex. If weather delays the installation, we’ll work through the following week, May 18-19. Please note that new signs and additional updates will occur later in the summer, with August 3-7 reserved for any corrections or new signs. We recognize that given the lengthy time of sign production, that some areas may already have updates to office locations. If you identify incorrect information (e.g., department name, location, or recent moves), please email Associate Director of Design Services Liz Kuvinka at ekuvinka@umw.eduby May 20, 2026, close of business. Please include the building, current signage content, and the requested update.
For any questions, contact AVP for Facilities Operations and Capital Outlay Brian Gorham at bgorham@umw.edu.
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