Accessibility Infrastructure Projects

An appropriation was approved by the Commonwealth in FY23 for accessibility improvements throughout campus. Following a 2013 accessibility study, various improvements identified were and prioritized. The portfolio of projects addresses improvements to six specific areas as well as a campus-wide improvement of ADA ramps and accessible pedestrian intersections. This includes adjustments to the access to Blair Hall/Tyler Courtyard, the north stairs of James Blair Hall, the pedestrian pathway slope adjacent to Swem Library, accessibility improvements at Hornsby House, and the vehicular-pedestrian conflict at Dawson Circle.

Project Details

• Project Number: 204-18591-000
• Cost: $5,850,000
• Fund Source: State
• Project Start Date: January 2024
• Construction Start Date: July 2025
• Finish Date: November 2025
• Project Manager: Antonina Pritchard
• Design Professional: Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.
• General Contractor:
  • Part 1: Team Henry Enterprises LLC
  • Part 2: Novas Construction LLC
  • Part 3: Williamsburg Hammerworks
  • Part 4: Stoker Construction

Progress

Part 1 was awarded to Team Henry Enterprises, LLC, and the work at Dawson Circle was completed in August 2025. Improvements to ramps and curb cuts are in progress and will be scheduled to minimize disruption throughout the fall semester. To date 19 of these curb cut improvements have been completed. 

Part 2 was awarded to Novas Construction, LLC, and work at the Swem Slope is ongoing, expected to be complete in December 2025. Demolition work is complete and underground utility work is in progress. A temporary pedestrian path between Landrum Drive and the Sundial Quad has been installed. 

Projects included in bid packages 3 and 4 were awarded to Williamsburg Hammerworks and Stoker Construction. Part 3 included accessibility improvements at Hornsby House and the provision of accessible parking behind the building. Part 4 included accessibility/safety improvements at the north entrance of James Blair Hall. These improvements were completed in August 2025.

Project Committee

Allison Stovall '25, Student Representative
Antonina Pritchard, Project Manager
Carla Costello, ADA Coordinator - Office of Compliance & Equity
Dan Pisaniello, University Architect
Kara Fifield, Director of Student Accessibility Services
Tony Orband, Associate Director of Grounds & Gardens