Preserving History, Informing the Future

Jeffersonian Grounds Initiative | Campaign Impact

 

 

THE JEFFERSONIAN GROUNDS INITIATIVE MAINTAINS THE HEART OF THE UNIVERSITY.

Our preservation efforts reveal the University’s history, bring its stories to life, and adapt it for the needs of future generations.

 

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Campaign Highlights
Philanthropy helps UVA maintain and preserve its historic buildings.
Campaign Highlights

The University Chapel underwent a comprehensive, 13-month, $2.5 million renovation. Constructed in 1890, it reopened in 2024 to once again host wedding, memorial, and church services, and performances.

During restoration, interior walls were painted with a Victorian palette, and the lighting system was upgraded. The original pine floors were refinished then covered with cork tile, pews were restored to their light oak finish, and iron light fixtures were restored. In addition, the sound system was updated and a hearing loop was installed. A button can now sound the building’s bell, which hadn’t tolled in decades. On the exterior, water damage was repaired and the foundation was water-proofed.

Historic Pavilion VIII, home over the years to faculty members, students, and the University Guide Service also underwent a major renovation.

The project touched every aspect of the building from top to bottom. Workers reinforcing support rafters uncovered both Jefferson’s original roof and a subsequent one installed by its second resident, professor Charles Bonnycastle.

The renewed building now houses two faculty apartments, four classrooms, and a basement space for the University Guide Service, incorporating modern amenities while maintaining the historic integrity of the structure.

In addition, across the Lawn UVA’s expert masons restored all of the pavilions’ columns and their capitals to their original appearance and replaced the Chinese rails above the student rooms to match Jefferson’s original design.

The historic Grounds are the heart of the University. Your support has ensured our ability to preserve the history of the Academical Village, the only World Heritage Site campus in America. The Academical Village has always been central to the UVA experience, from the earliest of days in 1817 when President James Monroe laid the University’s cornerstone at Pavilion VII, through to the present.
Alice Raucher, FAIA
Associate Vice President and Architect for the University