Restoration of library marks first significant transformation since its 1938 construction
Skanska, a leading global construction and development firm, announces the completion of the restoration and expansion at the University of Virginia’s historic Alderman Library located at 160 McCormick Road in Charlottesville, Virginia. The renovation brings the building up to current standards for safety, accessibility and service to meet the needs of its users.
The ambitious project required historically rehabilitating 100,000-SF of the main library that was initially constructed in 1938 and digging out more than 6,000 cubic yards of rock using chipping hammers and grinding wheels to install new stormwater management systems to support the new 130,000-SF contemporary six-story concrete addition.
“I’m so proud of our team as they bring this historic renovation to a close. The meticulous attention to detail and the craftsmanship required to complete this job are unmatched, said Mark Balling, executive vice president and general manager for Skanska’s North Carolina and Virginia building operations. “This library is one of Virginia’s most dynamic projects.”
The transformative renovation encompasses a range of key enhancements, including:
- Providing a new, highly accessible north entrance facing University Avenue and an updated and expanded south entrance
- Restoring and optimizing seven historic rooms, 300 windows, and exterior elements such as wood cornices, the historic envelope, including masonry and cast stone elements
- Creating an improved environment for students and faculty in the humanities and social sciences to work with extensive and growing print collections
- Installing two study courtyards’ 50-ft by 34-ft, 15,000-lb skylight assemblies between the fourth and fifth floors
- Ample lighting to improve the interior and make optimal use of existing light wells
Operating from a regional headquarters in Durham, North Carolina, Skanska USA has completed nearly $2.9 billion of work in Virginia and North Carolina over the past ten years. Currently, Skanska has more than $640 million of projects in progress between the two states.
About Skanska
Skanska uses knowledge & foresight to shape the way people live, work, and connect. More than 135 years in the making, we’re one of the world’s largest development and construction companies. We operate in select markets throughout the Nordics, Europe and the United States. Skanska in the U.S. is headquartered in New York City with 29 offices around the country. In 2022, construction in the U.S. generated $6.9 billion in revenue, and as a developer in the U.S., Skanska has invested a total of $3.5 billion in commercial and multi-family projects. Together with our customers and the collective expertise of our 6,500 teammates in the U.S. and 28,000 globally, we create innovative and sustainable solutions that support healthy living beyond our lifetime.
