Spectrum - Volume 20 Issue 13 November 20, 1997 - Special-Purpose Housing design presented

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Special-Purpose Housing design presented

By Sookhan Ho

Spectrum Volume 20 Issue 13 - November 20, 1997

The schematic design of Phase III of the Special-Purpose Housing Program was presented to the Buildings and Grounds Committee of the Board of Visitors at its meeting last week.
The program's aim is to integrate sororities and fraternities more closely into university life by providing campus quarters in a cohesive setting for as many organizations as possible, said University Architect Scott Hurst. "Many fraternity and sorority houses are currently scattered around the town and county." (The university currently has 50 chapters of Greek organizations.)
Special-Purpose Housing is located west of the Golf Course close to the 460 bypass. Phase III aims to build eight more residential houses near the existing 10 houses occupied by seven sororities and three fraternities, with 36 residents in each building. Construction funding of about $8.8 million has been requested in the 1998-2000 capital budget submission.
David Oakland of VMDO Architects in Charlottesville said the proposed residences will reflect the "Collegiate Gothic" architectural style that is predominant on campus. They will be built of brick to be consistent with the existing buildings.
Questioning the choice of brick rather than traditional Hokie stone as an exterior material, committee members requested that the university investigate the use of stone and its cost impact on the student housing fee, and report its findings to the committee before the next meeting.
Committee members were also briefed on projects under construction by Hurst, Vice President for Finance and Treasurer Ray Smoot and Assistant Vice President for Facilities Spencer Hall. Committee members are Cecil Maxson (chairman), Donald Huffman, Thomas Rust, and graduate student Michael Herndon.