UVA wished to fulfill Thomas Jefferson’s original purpose for the Rotunda as a place of learning and collaboration – not just a historical landmark. To do so, the project architect designed a new basement under the original structure to accommodate additional academic and recreational space and directed a thorough restoration of the building’s elements. As part of an on-call contract with UVA, F&R provided the geotechnical consultation required for foundation and underpinning to ensure no damage would be sustained by the structure. Our team also conducted special inspections of construction materials and seismic resistance.

The Rotunda, part of the UVA Academical Village, is one of only four man-made UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the United States.