R. E. Lee & Son was selected for this capital outlay project through the competitive bid process. Regardless of the procurement method, this project required a complete team effort, with the Owner, Architect and Contractor all becoming partners in the project to achieve a lasting project that we would all be proud of. The location of the building adjacent to the “Lawn” and in the heart of the University presented many unique challenges for the team. The scope of the project impacted almost all of the existing buildings, roads and other facilities in the area. This was not just the construction of a new academic building, but the creation of an architectural compliment to the University’s traditional building as envisioned by the architect, Michael Graves. The building was designed to be a cross campus “corridor”, an academic center for the English Department, and the home of a chiller plant to serve other buildings on this part of the grounds.
Project Highlights
Project Team
Owner: University of Virginia / David Booth
Architect: Michael Graces Architect P.A. / Peter Neilsen
Contractor: R. E. Lee & Son, Inc. / Jay Kessler & Tim Nicklow
Project Delivery System
Competitive Bid
Construction Schedule
Completed on schedule.
Construction Type
Mass excavation and replacement of unsuitable soils; Drainage for an underground stream; Poured-in-Place concrete foundations; Masonry veneer with bluestone features over CMU backup; Brick & bluestone pavers; Turned concrete structural columns; Composite structural steel frame; Tern coated stainless steel standing seam roofing; vertical and horizontal waterproofing systems; custom wood operable windows; custom fabricated Chippendale rails; Interior steel stud and drywall finishes including circular lobbies on each floor; Hydraulic elevator systems; Dry and wet fire protection systems; Mechanical chiller plant with remote cooling towers; Four-Pipe FCU mechanical systems with electronic controls and building automation system; Electrical systems with high voltage connections to the UVa grid and emergency power systems.