We’re so proud to be part of an incredible restoration campaign currently taking place at the University of Virginia. The Rotunda is the focal point of Thomas Jefferson’s Academical Village at UVA and we have the pleasure of supplying our Ecologic™ Mortar for the repointing campaign. Below is an excerpt from the university’s website explaining the repairs that are currently taking place, also take a minute watch the brief video.
Preserving the Heart of the Grounds
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.
Photo by Tim Jarrett
Read more about the restoration efforts here.
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