In association with the University of Virginia Foundation, the University of Virginia (UVA) outlined a long-term strategy to redevelop 14.5 acres of land west of the intersection of Ivy Road (U.S. 250) and Emmet Street (U.S. 29). At the juncture of two U.S. highways, this parcel of land, now known as the Ivy Corridor, is a significant entry into the university grounds, as well as a critical link between North Grounds, Arts Grounds, and Central Grounds. Ivy Corridor was occupied by numerous structures, including the Cavalier Inn Hotel, UVA’s Outdoor Recreation Center, smaller structures, and parking areas. Using a multi-phase construction timeline, new buildings, such as the School of Data Science, the Hotel and Convention Center, the Karsh Center for Democracy, and the Center for the Arts, are replacing those previous elements.

F&R’s involvement in the project has required extensive services. As holders of an on-call term contract with UVA for professional services, our team provided two preliminary studies: a geotechnical subsurface investigation and a Limited Phase II Environmental Site Assessment due to the past presence of an on-site gas station with underground storage tanks. F&R’s environmental group conducted soil and groundwater testing in the area to investigate whether any remedial activities should be pursued and, if so, the best course of action. The F&R geotechnical engineering team also conducted a subsurface exploration that included both field and laboratory testing tasks. Once the soils analysis was complete, F&R’s geotechnical engineers provided preliminary findings and  recommendations for further study, as well as recommendations to guide foundation design and site preparation based on the anticipated multi-phase development schedule.

Phase 1 of the Corridor project is complete, with the Cavalier Inn decommissioned and demolished and stormwater and utility improvements made. F&R has and is currently conducting construction materials testing/special inspections (CMT/SI) services for most of the Ivy Corridor redevelopment projects, including Ivy Corridor Phases 1, 2, and 3; The School of Data Science, (completed), The Hotel and Convention Center (near completion), and the Karsh Center for Democracy.

The corridor also features pedestrian, bicycle, and transit accommodations constructed along Ivy Road, creating a shared public landscape. The Phase 2 Landscape project is anticipated to be completed in Spring 2025 and includes improvements to utilities, multi-modal transportation, environmental, and landscape. Future development includes the (future) Center for the Arts, for which F&R has conducted a subsurface exploration and provided geotechnical engineering recommendations to guide design and construction.