Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 65.06
Liaison Andrea Trimble
Submission Date May 29, 2015
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

University of Virginia
IN-3: Innovation 3

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Julia Monteith
Senior Land Use Planner
Office of the Architect
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Title or keywords related to the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
UNESCO World Heritage Site & Historic and Cultural Significance

A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:

The original Jefferson designed Academical Village of UVa is a shared UNESCO World Heritage site with Monticello and serves at the spiritual and cultural center for the University campus. The Academical Village is also listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and is a National Historic Landmark. While these are exceptional, even unique qualifications, this innovation credit focuses on the continual work underway to support and improve the Academical Village physically and culturally and while improving public accessibility to the resources it provides.


A brief description of any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation (if not reported above):

The Academical Village at the University of Virginia is one of the most iconic architectural sites in America, but time, constant use and the elements have left the Grounds in need of a full renovation and repair. The University is renovating the Jeffersonian Grounds to ensure they remain true to the University’s original, central purpose to engage, connect and inspire students and faculty, learners and scholars.

Rotunda Renovation
The Rotunda was partially renovated once, almost 40 years ago. It has been more than 108 years since it was rebuilt by McKim, Mead & White (following the substantial destruction of Jefferson’s building by fire). Time and the elements have left the building in need of extensive repairs, and the project also provides for new uses to make the building more accessible to students and the public once complete. In the summer of 2013 UVa replaced the roof and restored the masonry and windows on the drum of the building. The next phase, which will last two years, began in May 2014 and includes:
•Complete structural and infrastructural renovation
•Increased classroom, study, lecture and ceremonial use
•Replacement of the marble column capitals
•Repair of the terraces and marble stairs
•Historic landscapes around the Rotunda
•New visitor interpretive center
•Renovation of the Dome Room

Renovating the Pavilions
The Pavilions house University faculty who live side by side with our Lawn students, preserving Jefferson’s original intention to create an “Academical Village.”

Conserving our Historic Gardens and Landscapes
The historic Pavilion gardens, Lawn, alleys and associated landscapes of the Jeffersonian Grounds serve as parks and contemplative space for all U.Va. students, faculty and staff as well as visitors to the Grounds.

Restoring the Lawn and Range
One distinction of the University of Virginia remains the Jeffersonian community of students on the Lawn and Range. Daily life is hard on 200-year-old buildings, and the lawn has been restored while the Range restorations are ongoing.

Restoring the Hotels
The Hotels of the Range once housed dining halls. The hotel keepers provided board and daily services to the students. Today they house offices, a student organization, and both faculty- and student-oriented dining facilities.

Repairing the Colonnades
Years of accumulated paint have trapped moisture and threaten the integrity of the supporting columns, which still house original Jeffersonian brick. The West Colonnade from Pavilion IX to V is next to be restored.

Other important priorities for the Jeffersonian Grounds include conducting archaeological studies, conserving architectural artifacts and increasing students’ daily use of the Rotunda.


A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
Which of the following STARS subcategories does the innovation most closely relate to? (Select all that apply up to a maximum of five):
Yes or No
Curriculum No
Research No
Campus Engagement Yes
Public Engagement Yes
Air & Climate No
Buildings Yes
Dining Services No
Energy No
Grounds Yes
Purchasing No
Transportation No
Waste No
Water No
Coordination, Planning & Governance Yes
Diversity & Affordability No
Health, Wellbeing & Work No
Investment No

Other topic(s) that the innovation relates to that are not listed above:
Historic Preservation, Cultural Landscape

The website URL where information about the innovation is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.