Virginia Commonwealth University is preparing to take another look at its boundaries.
The board of visitors Thursday approved a $573,339 contract to update its master plan to guide development for both the academic and medical campuses over the next six years and beyond.
The contract was awarded to Richmond-based BCWH Architects, working with Ayers Saint Gross Architects of Baltimore.
But the groundwork has already begun. Brian Ohlinger, associate vice president for facilities management, said about 70 interviews have been conducted so far within the university community.
Next week, discussions will begin with neighboring communities and businesses, which will be asked to appoint a liaison to work with the university through the entire process, he said.
VCU's rapid growth over the past few decades drew protests from surrounding neighborhoods, especially Oregon Hill and Carver. However, Ohlinger said he doesn't see that kind of expansion resulting from this new plan.
"With enrollment leveling off, there's really not the need to meet growth," he said. "Now we're looking at what we need to meet program demands."
He said this study will look at facilities required to support Quest for Distinction, the new strategic plan that seeks to establish VCU as a major research university committed to academic quality and student success.
But the master plan, expected to be completed by next fall, will identify properties of interest to VCU.
Ohlinger said it also should make clear which properties VCU does not intend to pursue. Past plans that included too broad of an area resulted in some property owners holding onto houses hoping to receive a higher price from the university.
The plan will be "a reaffirmation of the boundaries," he said, that will "help allay fears that we're going to go somewhere we don't intend to go."
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement