UVA College at Wise Master Plan

UVA WISE 2035 Master Plan

Chancellor’s Letter

When Clinch Valley College of the University of Virginia first opened its doors to students in 1954, the College included just two buildings, both of which were formerly a poor farm donated by Wise County Seventy years later, it’s impossible to know if the local and University leaders who envisioned a college on the hill in Wise would believe that our campus – now the University of Virginia’s College at Wise – spans more than 390 acres.

What we do know is that their dream of having a campus in far Southwest Virginia has been realized in more than 50 buildings, many of which are state-of-the art facilities that empower more than 2,000 students to serve and lead in their communities, the nation, and the world

During the past few years, UVA Wise has seen an increase in enrollment, bucking national trends, and introduced new academic programs, including our first master’s degree offering, a Master of Education We have built additional ways for students to gain experiential learning opportunities, teaching our students how and why they should contribute to their communities throughout their lives.

Partnerships with local organizations have been expanded and national recognitions have been earned, including twice being named an Apple Distinguished School and regularly being acknowledged in premiere rankings as a catalyst for the social mobility of our students

In short, UVA Wise is providing a college experience that will empower our Highland Cavaliers not just for their immediate future following graduation but for the next 25, 50, and 75 years an education for their lifetime

This update to the College’s Master Plan will build on the diligent progress we’ve made for and with our students, our community, the Commonwealth, and communities beyond

With demand for a UVA Wise education surging, campus housing numbers beyond capacity, and new scholarship dollars fueling our growth thanks to the successful conclusion of the Honor the Future campaign, we are making our students, alumni, faculty, staff, friends, and surely our founders proud to see their College in the mountains shine. The pages that follow will help you see the possibilities we have envisioned to continue our successful work to enhance our identity, connect our campus with the community, and deepen understanding of our sense of place while still honoring the history and culture of our region, which were invaluable in establishing the ever-expanding vibrant campus community we are proud to call home today.

Donna Price Henry, Ph.D. Chancellor

University of Virginia College at Wise

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

”When we invest in students, we invest in the future – one enriched by diversity, equity and the power of education ”

Chancellor Donna Price Henry

Since its founding in 1954, the University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise) has focused on the student experience and the many ways the campus elevates that experience in the folds of the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia. “High Ridges, Deep Roots” is a saying that echoes across the campus and captures the very real sense that the placeness of Wise’s campus is intrinsic to the connections it helps students forge in and with the world. The landscape, the inspired architecture built to reflect enduring local traditions, and the network of paths and trails that serve to link the campus to its natural and cultural surroundings all demonstrate the degree to which local conditions create lasting impacts across the region.

The 2035 Master Plan is the latest in a succession of planning efforts that frame the trajectory of physical growth across UVA

Wise’s campus and forecast approaching needs based upon emerging trends in the higher education landscape With an eye to continued enrollment growth and with a commitment to prioritizing the continued excellence of the student experience, the 2035 master plan envisions an expansive set of priority projects across all scales of development, while safeguarding the charm of today’s campus environment

The following pages chronicle the 2035 planning process to identify and address the challenges and opportunities confronting UVA Wise’s operations as it enters its seventh decade The report is divided into two major categories: the assessment of existing conditions and recommendations for the deliberate growth of facilities, landscapes, and infrastructure to keep pace with anticipated future needs The recommended planning initiatives are offered in a manner that allows for flexibility –they are interchangeable across programs, locations, and the sequencing of their construction based upon future funding cycles

Near-Term Development:

To prepare for a growing student body and the expansion of academic offerings, the near-term plan focuses on enhancing the built environment of the core campus.

Mid-Term Development:

A new multi-use facility in the West Campus would further extend Wise’s capacity to host large athletic and cultural events and would enhance the College’s public visibility.

Long-Term Development: Future partnerships and growth may require completely new precincts to be built to house research, residential and retail components on campus.

Campus master plans develop direction and prioritize future opportunities for new and renovated buildings and grounds to support an institution’s growth They typically operate in 10-year increments to follow state requirements and institutional accreditation conditions This well-established interval makes sense from an organizational perspective, and also benefits from considering longer-term planning prospects

Recognizing this, the 2035 UVA Wise Master Plan presents three different planning horizons. Near-term planning focuses on known academic and student housing growth patterns through densification of the core of campus. The mid-term plan includes the addition of a significant new multi-use

facility and related infrastructure improvements to support the impacts of larger and more frequent events hosted there Finally, the long-term campus plan identifies major new redevelopment zones that would effectively transform the campus by nearly doubling academic space and expanding the public-facing aspects of UVA Wise with a mixed-use development at its western entry

This plan was developed by a consultant team with collaboration from a diverse group from UVA Wise and guided by the UVA Office of the Architect The team identified the distinct qualities of the place and the needs of students and faculty to craft this inspired next phase in UVA Wise’s future

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

The 2035 UVA Wise Master Plan is the most recent in a series of comprehensive planning studies for the campus It builds upon previous efforts to codify aspirations for the continued growth of an institution dedicated to the education and well-being of students from the region The College focuses on those seeking a firm foundation in the liberal arts and looking to pursue callings in fields that are of particular import to the evolving communities and economies of Southwest Virginia

The previous campus plan set forth numerous initiatives – many of which were implemented and have served the College well A number of important projects yet to be developed have been carried over to the 2035 plan They serve as a basis to build upon the planning traditions and successes of past campus stewardship

The 2035 report is organized in 3 sections: Assessment, Planning Principles, and Planning Initiatives, the last of which contains the team’s proposals for the physical updates necessary to support UVA Wise’s vision for future growth and continued excellence

Working closely with The College at Wise and the UVA Office of the Architect, the master planning team developed four guiding goals forming the foundation of the planning initiatives that are outlined herein:

1. Enhance identity as a public liberal arts college in the Appalachian region committed to excellence in teaching, personalized attention, and individual growth

2. Connect campus and community to expand their reach through multi-use facilities, multi-disciplinary programs, and a rich mix of collaborative and shared spaces.

3. Cultivate and deepen the understanding of the unique sense of place, with a particular emphasis on the ecosystems and cultural systems particular to the Wise campus.

4. Extend the ethic of sustainability that guides the planning process across all scales of intervention, respecting the history and culture of the region.

SECTION 2: PLANNING ASSESSMENT Understanding Wise Today

Development of a meaningful campus plan begins with a thorough analysis of the physical qualities of the place, focusing on the conditions of buildings, landscapes and infrastructure that comprise a college campus By extension, the plan also considers the way various programs and academic, social, and cultural contexts influence the physical conditions of the institution both today and projected into the future

The assessment work done for the 2035 UVA Wise Master Plan took on three distinct phases First, an effort was made to collect, collate, and summarize the myriad sources of quantitative and qualitative campus data that was available That included documentation of the campus landscape, geospatial data, and construction documentation for all buildings provided by UVA’s Facilities Management Office It also drew upon College resources for information regarding academic and student support programs, space utilization reports, enrollment data and other important operational statistics

Second, tours and exploratory walks were mounted by the design team to observe first-

hand the way buildings are programmed and utilized, and the manner campus landscapes support both formal and informal student and visitor uses Photographic records informed the process to document challenges and opportunities across the wide range of natural and man- made environments at UVA Wise In addition, observational notations logged into a working digital base plan of the campus allowed for a comprehensive accounting of findings

Finally, the body of findings was carefully translated into maps, charts, and graphs that summarized systems, conditions, and emerging trends These were disseminated for review and comment and ultimately used to build a case for future planning and design initiatives

What follows is a selection of the key assessment findings beginning at the scale of the campus and its interface with the Town of Wise and progressing through eversmaller scales of observation, from arrival to campus, campus precincts and connections, landscapes and building typologies

Situating the Campus and Town in the Region

Located in Southwest Virginia, UVA Wise is home to a multi-ethnic, multinational, multigenerational student body. Its success as an institution relies on being able to draw scholars and educators from across the state of Virginia and beyond to broaden the academic offerings of the College, while bringing a diversity of thought and range of cultural learning opportunities to be shared amongst the growing community of globallyminded undergraduates

At the same time, the success of UVA Wise is deeply tied to its roots in Appalachia and to the people, businesses, and services of the Town of Wise. The relationship between the Town and the College is central to the continued success of each, and both entities thrive when they collaborate on improving and expanding their pivotal relationship

The Town of Wise has long offered realworld opportunities to the students and faculty at UVA Wise, and it continues to provide a warm and welcoming cultural

backdrop to the important academic and research exploits being contemplated on campus. The College offers tremendous recreational resources, continuing education opportunities, and a plethora of cultural events and activities to residents of Wise and of the surrounding Southwest Virginia communities

To strengthen the already significant link between the Town and the College, a series of synchronized efforts are under assessment to connect the two physically and psychologically The Town is studying the potential benefits of developing an “Enterprise Zone Corridor” that would prioritize economic development and pedestrian improvements along East Main Street and Park Avenue. Simultaneously, UVA Wise has committed to enhancing the campus frontage by developing improved pedestrian and vehicular links with paths, signage, and pedestrian safety measures of its own

Crosswalks

Crosswalks Needing

Improvement

Pedestrian Path Analysis: Town of Wise to UVA Wise

The Wise Campus

Directly bordering the Town of Wise to its west, the picturesque 396-acre UVA Wise campus contains a wealth of resources both natural and built Much of the constructed fabric of the College sits on the eastern half of the property, with multiple access points along Darden Drive The core of campus occupies the prow of a prominent ridge, with buildings and landscapes responding to the topography through a series of stepping terraces and staggered building entries. Though the elevation changes can be challenging, a series of interior vertical connections help stitch the various levels of the core campus landscape together

West Campus is home to large athletic and event venues and provides ample space for sports fields and associated surface parking areas Appalachian landscapes, regenerating from past coal mining activity, and Cumberland Mountain vistas weave their way through the campus A series of trails wind through the High Campus wooded north half of the property and provide a splendid backdrop to the developed portions of the campus.

CORE & EAST CAMPUS

HIGH CAMPUS

Wetlands & Steep Slopes:

The landscape is comprised of steeplysloping hillsides incised by stream corridors and lowlands occupied by open bodies of water populated by native species of fish. Previously the site of coal mining operations, the campus natural systems are at various stages of repair and regeneration.

Tree Canopy:

The Campus hosts an abundance of natural resources that act as an important backdrop to the daily student and faculty experience. Native hardwood stands, successional pine forest, and carefully cultivated campus tree plantings all create the sense that UVA Wise was carved out of an extant Appalachian forest.

Key Scenery:

From higher elevations on campus views out to High Knob and the surrounding mountains can be appreciated to the south. The campus also offers moments of protected refuge among dense stands of hardwood trees adjacent to the core of campus.

Stewardship Areas:

Two healthy stands of hardwood forest in the center of campus, and a number of smaller stands distributed about the 396 acres deserve to be protected. Other areas along open space margins have seen invasives take root and thrive.

Pedestrian Circulation:

A robust network of pedestrian walkways and wooded paths connect various corners of the campus landscape. Most paved walks are well designed and maintained, while some wooded walks demonstrate the need for repair and/or better definition.

Roads & Parking:

Vehicular movement is generally established along the perimeter, allowing pedestrian movements to be safely orchestrated within the heart of campus. While there is adequate parking on a typical day, the College hosts a growing number of events on its campus that can impact parking capacity.

Vehicular Circulation

Existing Parking and Vehicular Circulation

Generally, the road network supports the campus well but becomes overwhelmed when there are cultural and/or athletic events hosted at the Prior Convocation Center or Carl Smith Stadium.

There is consensus that the lack of interprecinct vehicle routes supports the pedestrian experience on campus and keeps traffic around the campus core to a minimum However, the single point of entry into West Campus from Darden Drive becomes an issue when increased traffic flows associated with large events occur.

In addition, vehicular drop-off and queuing along access roads during events create challenges that have been hard to respond to in a timely manner because of traffic congestion on both local roads and campus drives An in-depth traffic study is encouraged to better understand the limitations of the existing road network and how it can be more effectively used during large events

Quad Lawn

Courtyard

Terraces

Spine

Water

Existing Landscape

The 396-acre campus is enriched with designed landscapes that serve as the backdrop for life at UVA Wise As the campus has developed over the years, a common inventory of recognizable landscape spaces has been deployed to shape the experience of the landscape and stitch the ever-growing assemblage of buildings together

One of the first steps taken in the assessment process was to identify typologies of existing spaces present at Wise and then map their location and extents This mapping achieved two things: it

SECTION 2: Planning Assessment

helped identify the DNA of the landscape that has become the backbone of life on campus, and it revealed a set of use patterns that have developed both because of and in reaction to the distribution of landscape spaces

The network of quads and courtyards ground buildings to the site while the major campus North-South spine collects that assemblage along an identifiable linking pedestrian promenade Lawns, terraces and water elements are positioned to provide expansive views and defined edges for campus activities

Landscape Typologies

QUAD

The principle orienting spaces of campus, quadrangles are large outdoor spaces open to the sky. They are bounded and rectangular in format, often planted with grass and lined with Omaha-tan walkways. Quadrangles host planned activities, such as celebrations or intramural events

LAWN

Used in moderation, lawns are planned visual open spaces, planted with grass Their key function is to provide open viewing to and from the campus and buildings The principle open lawn is at the main entrance as well as the one between the Lake and residence halls

COURTYARD

A courtyard is a flat space, open to the sky, surrounded by or associated with nearby buildings, meant to encourage outdoor gathering, small group conversations or meetings. Courtyards feature paving with Pennsylvania bluestone, in an ashlar pattern.

TERRACE

Terraces are raised above the surrounding landscape, positioned to feature a view. At least one side of a terrace is open toward a view With its elevated site, UVA Wise terraces are a special feature of UVA Wise and are featured all over campus

SPINE

The lower and upper academic areas are connected by a central straight walkway. The N-S pedestrian spine begins at the Front Entry Plaza, and extends up the stairs by the Student Center, by the Library, Darden Hall and terminates at the roadway to upper parking.

WATER

Water features, such as the Lake on the UVA Wise Campus, act as focal points for views from other landscape spaces or buildings. They impart feelings of peace and calmness, provide connection to the natural world, and perform stormwater management function for a campus.

Natural Landscape at Wise

While the focus of past master plans has been on building academic and athletic facilities in the East and West Campuses, the 2035 plan considers a more comprehensive approach to the entire 396 acres, particularly the High Campus. Several processes precipitated this focus:

• An ambitious building program has been largely completed, because of focused efforts by multiple parties, as a result of the 2025 master plan

• Recently, there has been a keen interest in the natural qualities of the site, both from on-campus researchers who have active experiments that need to be acknowledged and protected, and the local public, who could use parts of the campus and High Campus for passive recreation

• Since 1954, the natural landscape has matured from a former strip mine to having its own mature habitats and pastoral campus spaces

Growing interest has crystallized the awareness that the High Campus contributes to the health of the entire campus and could play a more important role in student and faculty research, natural sciences and recreation, and the community This extraordinary environment can also play a substantial role in the life of campus community members, from students who are interested in the Great Outdoors experience in Wise, to faculty who can enjoy a walk through the woods and wetlands.

A walk through the High Campus also reveals remnants of former extractive activity linked via a series of old roads and trails. The natural wetlands, woodlands, and slopes, modified by years of mining and other activities, show some very healthy zones, and some that are still recovering from past activities Together, these provide an extraordinary teaching opportunity; one that can be enjoyed at just about any educational level Faculty have expressed an interest in programming both the natural and cultural components of this history

Residential

Athletics

Academics

Student Services

Assembly

Dining

Administration

Building Utilization and Distribution

Central to an understanding of Wise’s current campus configuration and recommending strategies for future growth, the master plan endeavored to balance various academic programs and College departments and divisions across the campus landscape

What emerged was a clear snapshot of the great care taken to zone various space-use typologies in neighborhoods that respond well to daily activity patterns The core

campus and the most iconically identifiable buildings occupy the center of the composition, while integral supporting buildings and landscapes form a constellation of quads and clusters of buildings that radiate outward from the center

Feedback from stakeholders at Wise helped complete our understanding of existing conditions and is presented in a summary format on the opposite page

Programmatic Input From Stakeholders

What We Heard

HOUSING

With enrollment growth trending upward, the housing demand on campus is increasing and will need to expand to keep up. There is interest in apartment-style units which are popular among students and would help sustain growth.

ACADEMICS

Many of the academic spaces are being adequately utilized, with plans for shuffling programs around in the Academic Core as new research and technology opportunities arise. Additionally, there is an interest in a Music Education building.

ATHLETICS

With two flanking zones on the west and east sides of the core campus, these spaces need to expand (with a Multi-use, indoor track facility) and be updated (Greear Gym) to better accommodate campus needs and provide consistency in winter

STUDENT SERVICES

Student Services are key to continued student success, retention and consistently high graduation rates. There is unwavering dedication to fund and provide services on campus, and it is a point of pride among providers.

STUDENT LIFE

There is a consensus that student life offerings are pivotal in a college town like Wise. The Town offers significant social and recreational opportunities, though UVA Wise could endeavor to supply more options on campus

Planning Considerations

McCraray renovation (+80-100 beds) meets first-year housing demand and would set the stage for longer term planning for upper-class housing Plan for an additional new housing building to support upper-class students and overall enrollment growth

Plans are in place to construct sufficient square footage to support current academic instruction requirements and projected growth For graduate programs, consider space needs to support potential growth

Develop key projects to support much-needed indoor practice, community outreach, and growing athletics offerings These programs can also support campus-wide goals of promoting connections with the Town of Wise

Consider locations for academic support programs such as testing services and reorganize locations into easily identifiable/accessible clusters in core campus locations. Review overall campus staff office provision

Consider need for additional dining offering Indoor rec/practice facility will offload demand on Greear Gym, which will need renovation long-term

Total Student Population

On-Campus Learners

Housed On-Campus

Student Population & Housing Projection

Student Population & Housing

Enrollment Growth: UVA Wise has seen steady growth in enrollment over the past three years, and projects growth from 1,320 on-campus learners to 1,631 by the year 2030 To maintain the same overall percentage of students living on campus in 2030, 178 additional beds are needed. If the College were to meet their aspirational goal of housing 60% of on-campus learners, including all international and exchange students, approximately 375 additional beds would be needed

Off Campus Housing Context: We heard the College’s awareness that if enrollment continues to grow and no more housing is available within the tight community market, where there is already a shortage, there will be additional pressure for a higher percentage of students to be housed on campus Acquiring off-campus housing

without building new would put the burden on the private sector to increase the overall bed count available to the student population.

First-Year Housing: We heard broad agreement that renovating McCraray for first-year housing is a priority Student Life leadership sees McCraray as an opportunity to take care of one of their older and highly visible buildings while also meeting the firstyear housing need of roughly 100 additional beds In addition to adding air conditioning and addressing possible asbestos concerns, the College is looking to redefine community spaces, overall organization, and restroom facilities.

Upperclassmen Housing: Any new construction housing would ideally be for upper classmen, similar to the apartment-

46%

Current % of On-Campus Undergraduates Housed on Campus

604

Current Bed Capacity

48%

Target % Housed on Campus in 2030, per College projections*

~178 (782 total)

Additional beds needed to meet projected housing demand by 2030 @ 48%

60%

Aspirational target % Housed on Campus in 2030

~375 (979 total)

Additional beds needed to meet projected housing demand by 2030 @ 60%

*Per College-provided historic data sent by Scott Bevins (Assoc. VC for Institutional Effectiveness & Research and SCHEV Liaison & Reports Coordinator) 12/17/2025, and Projected enrollment and Housing Counts (Scenario 3), sent by same on 12/18/2025

style layout in popular halls like Asbury and Thompson and offer a distinct experience from first year housing. Discussions with Student Life leadership concluded that new housing would ideally be composed of 6-8 bed pods offering a mix of singles and doubles with a shared kitchen or living space, and access to quality outdoor space

Living Learning Communities: While the College has implemented LLCs in the past, they have had to pause this program due to lack of space. They hope to continue these programs in the future and see LLCs as an opportunity to support and improve retention among upper-division and graduate students

As new housing is planned, flexible communal space that can be used to support LLCs when resources allow should be included In the near term, continuing to improve or expand the popular outdoor spaces and providing programming in the communal spaces they do have will support meaningful community-building.

SECTION 3: PLANNING INITIATIVES

Buildings, Infrastructure, and Landscape

The campus planning initiatives are the result of in-person workshops and steering committee discussions that tested and ratified ideas about new building programs and sites, landscape interventions, and improvements to campus infrastructure Taken together, these proposed projects enhance the way the built environment responds to current demands and how it will be positioned to support future needs

Beginning at the scale of the 396-acre campus, the master plan proposes a subtle realignment of the land-use zones outlined in earlier studies The general approach aligns with past efforts to shape the campus, but a few distinct modifications are worth highlighting Whereas previous plans distinguished academic and housing areas, this simplifies the development pattern into core campus and athletic zones, allowing for more flexibility as new projects are funded and take root

A new Entrance Zone overlay has been introduced to reinforce the importance of connecting UVA Wise to the surrounding community, and the Redevelopment Zones

build upon the good work instigated to imagine significant future expansion options under the last master plan

Narrowing our focus, we then zoom in to offer options for the East and West precinct improvements The measures outlined address a broad range of issues, from anticipated new buildings, associated outdoor spaces and renovation projects to road realignments and parking improvements to better serve the campus community

At the center of the proposed initiatives are a few simple tenets: proposed building massing and heights will respect the prevailing campus approach and adhere to the principle that buildings must play a part in reinforcing coherence while highlighting the special character of the place. Second, the importance of landscape will be observed and honored in new additions to the campus. Third, durability and lowmaintenance construction practices will be prioritized while sustainable practices will help mitigate building impacts and long-term operational costs

Land Use Zones & Characteristics

The Campus Core prioritizes walkability, human-scaled buildings and engaging connections to the landscape while also establishing a welcoming and identifiable primary arrival point for visitors Framing the core, the two Athletic Zones each have distinct entry points of their own This promotes the segregation of uses and insulates the core of campus from the impacts of the activities that may be taking place on the perimeter of campus

While these zones of campus support most of the programmatic activity for UVA Wise, the High Campus Zone occupies a far larger share of the total grounds This area of campus provides a variety of unique native

landscapes that are suitable for both research and recreational purposes Additional investigation and reporting is encouraged to fully understand the breadth and diversity of the natural systems present on campus and to systematize measures to protect and enhance them

The Entrance Zone Overlay and the two Redevelopment Zones suggest emerging ideas about how the College both hopes to position itself as a committed participant in the local and regional community, while also considering ways to shape the campus to welcome the creation of facilities that can bridge research, education, and regional employment opportunities

Priority Projects

The priority projects presented in this section are organized thematically around six distinct types: academic, student housing, fitness and recreation, multi-use facility, landscape, infrastructure, and redevelopment zones Each category is presented as part of the larger campus ecosystem but then is shown in detail to better illustrate the specific characteristics of that group of projects – their locational basis, the benefits of their adjacencies to surrounding facilities, and in some cases the potential challenges

It is worth noting that though explicit programs are married to particular zones, this master plan recognizes a high level of interchangeability and affords flexibility as

future development plans unfold Project Types are grouped thematically as shown below

1. Academic (p 32)

2. Housing (p 36)

3. Fitness & Recreation (p 40)

4. Multi-Use Facility (p 42)

5. Infrastructure (p 46)

6. Landscape (p 52)

7. Redevelopment Zones (p 56)

Academic Core Campus

Our assessment work with the College indicated a compelling need to plan for the continued growth of a number of academic and certificate programs at UVA Wise. To support that growth, new purpose-built academic facilities will be needed to house classrooms, labs, flexible study space, and faculty offices and meeting rooms

As planning options materialized during the design process, a strong preference emerged for continuing to infill the campus core, building upon its center of gravity Represented in the campus diagram at right are four practical yet inspired locations for future academic buildings

All four sites are within a short walk of key student life and student support platforms, and all take full advantage of their existing campus surrounding – proximity to the lake, the large event lawn, or the upper quad Each was celebrated for its ability to be stitched seamlessly into the existing campus context (walks, parking, outdoor spaces) and all were seen as improving the overall campus experience.

A. Culbertson Hall

B. Lakeview Offices

C. Still Hall

D. McCraray Hall

E. Crockett Hall

F. Cantrell Hall

G. Gilliam Center for the Arts

H. Smith Dining Hall

I. Thompson Hall

J. Randolph Hall

K. Asbury Hall

L. Henson Hall

M. UVA Wise Library

N. Chapel of All Faiths

O. Smiddy Hall

Slemp Student Center

Winston Ely Health & Wellness Center

Pippin-Wyllie Hall

Zehmer Hall

Darden Hall

Sandridge Science Center

Bowers-Sturgill Hall

Stallard Field

Greear Gymnasium

Humphrey’s Tennis Complex

Bill Gatton Softball Field

Academic Building Sites

SITE

1

This site, located directly adjacent to the lake, would provide a western anchor for the campus walk and a large overall site capacity for future building program. Its layout could define a generous courtyard for student use while providing a new landscape gateway into core campus. To improve the viability of this site, Clinch Valley Road must be realigned, providing improved vehicular circulation and giving the pedestrian-friendly campus more lake frontage. The configuration of this option needs to be mindful of the impact on the current lake outfall and existing stream alignment.

2 SITE

Located along the south edge of the lawn, this site lends itself to connections with Gilliam Center for the Arts immediately opposite. It’s location and orientation positions it to reinforce paths and spaces along the campus walk east-west axis. The building would be relatively close to the academic core while utilizing infill space that would further define the edge of the lawn and approach to the lake. However, the site has a smaller total area than others and would trigger the redesign of existing parking and/or call for redevelopment of the southern lot.

3 SITE

The renovation and addition to Cantrell Hall would redefine the eastern edge of the lawn while allowing for connections to both Gilliam Center for the Arts and the academic core. The site would provide great views out onto the lake and lawn and take advantage of its location at the nexus of campus paths. This building would be proximally located to the main campus entry point but would have challenging access for service and potentially for pedestrian access. One potential drawback of a building sited in this position is the interruption of views from the campus arrival loop across the lawn and to the lake.

4 SITE

With the interest in the addition of a technology building growing, this site would be the ideal location given its adjacency to the Sandridge Science Center and its prominent location within the academic core. By better defining the eastern edge of Betty J. Gilliam Sculpture Garden, the resultant academic quad would take on a more definite spatial and programmatic form. This site also provides the possibility of incorporating structured, below-grade parking to support vehicular access to core campus.

Housing Core Campus

With the recent increases and likelihood of continued student enrollment and the concomitant need to house a growing number of them on campus, the master plan projects that a series of new residence halls will be required to meet future demand. While most existing academic buildings occupy the center of core campus, the residence halls cluster together to the west and take advantage of their proximity to the lake and Smith Dining Hall

The center of residential life at Wise is the cluster of buildings that frame the residential quad Within this tree-shaded space, several recreation courts and informal student gathering areas help cast a warm and welcoming hallmark of life on campus. Drawing lessons from this vibrant outdoor room, the master plan suggests developing a series of landscape spaces that would expand the scale and elemental landscape approach outward to future residential buildings on campus, effectively connecting all through a similar design vocabulary

A. Culbertson Hall

B. Lakeview Offices

C. Still Hall

D. McCraray Hall

E. Crockett Hall

F. Cantrell Hall

G. Gilliam Center for the Arts

H. Smith Dining Hall

I. Thompson Hall

J. Randolph Hall

K. Asbury Hall

L. Henson Hall

M. UVA Wise Library

N. Chapel of All Faiths

O. Smiddy Hall

Slemp Student Center

Winston Ely Health & Wellness Center

Pippin-Wyllie Hall

Zehmer Hall

Darden Hall

Sandridge Science Center

Bowers-Sturgill Hall

Stallard Field

Greear Gymnasium

Humphrey’s Tennis Complex

Bill Gatton Softball Field

Student Housing Sites

5 SITE

An addition to Asbury Hall and the infill of the site north of Asbury takes advantage of campus area immediately adjacent to the popular residential quad. A short walk from Smith Dining Hall and direct access to the amenities of the residential quad make this a desirable future home for students. The design should consider service access to the existing halls (primarily Henson) and any resultant parking reduction. The phasing of the addition to Asbury Hall may trigger impacts to its utilization that should be addressed when considering this option.

6 SITE

This site option would require the demolition of two small existing buildings but provides a large site footprint and offers an appealing solar orientation. A residential hall located here would anchor the northern side of the lake and be a short walk to Smith Dining Hall. The site is optimally situated to connect the cluster of residence halls that surround the quad with those that front Clinch Valley Drive. Given the presence of two existing buildings, it is assumed that there would be minimal investment in utilities for this site, but the steep grade to the west may entail grading, drainage and waterproofing considerations.

7 SITE

Similar to site 6, this location takes advantage of a southeastern solar orientation, requires minimal new infrastructure, and helps to further connect the existing housing buildings into an identifiable neighborhood. The location would also lend itself to defining the gateway to the West Campus, as well as providing lake front views. However, it does require the demolition of a single existing building (Napoleon Hill Foundation) and has a more restricted site boundary to work within.

8 SITE

This building site would function well as a student housing site due to its ability to improve the link between McCraray Hall to its east and Culbertson Hall across a realigned Clinch Valley Drive. This location also helps anchor the south side of the lake with student life programming. Because of its relative remoteness from Smith Dining Hall, this may be a good place to include a new dining platform to help relieve some of the pressures on existing food service venues and provide desired variety in menu options.

Fitness and Recreation East Campus

9 SITE

The expansion and renovation of Greear Gym has been contemplated for several years, and would address several pressing needs simultaneously, if pursued. The existing building is dated and shows growing signs of deferred maintenance challenges. By expanding the building and providing enhanced facilities for indoor fitness and recreation close to the core campus, a reinvigorated Greear could help diminish the scheduling conflicts with sports teams that rely on it in inclement weather.

An expanded footprint would provide much needed flexible indoor space for a wide variety of activities on a campus that relies on satisfying the bulk of student needs. In addition to the benefits created by the building project, associated site improvements could bring a new level of life to the spaces around it.

A. Culbertson Hall

B. Lakeview Offices

C. Still Hall

D. McCraray Hall

E. Crockett Hall

F. Cantrell Hall

G. Gilliam Center for the Arts

H. Smith Dining Hall

I. Thompson Hall

J. Randolph Hall

K. Asbury Hall

L. Henson Hall

M. UVA Wise Library

N. Chapel of All Faiths

O. Smiddy Hall

Slemp Student Center

Winston Ely Health & Wellness Center

Pippin-Wyllie Hall

Zehmer Hall

Darden Hall

Sandridge Science Center

Bowers-Sturgill Hall

Stallard Field

Greear Gymnasium

Humphrey’s Tennis Complex

Bill Gatton Softball Field

Student Recreation and Athletics at Wise

UVA Wise provides a full range of athletic, recreation and fitness opportunities for students and faculty, and the campus is made freely accessible to the public at large Turf competition fields and grass practice fields are in good supply and offer a range of options for the many NCAA athletic teams at Wise. Intramural field offerings are less robust, and sports teams often take priority over recreation groups when spaces are needed

Indoor recreation spaces are similarly ample, with Greear Gym and the Slemp Student

Center offering the majority of active fitness and recreation space on campus Along with the Winston Ely Health and Wellness Center, the gym and student center provide a wide range of program spaces for the student body

The master plan assessment revealed a lack of dedicated indoor athletics and recreation space, and inclement weather exacerbates this paucity of space Given the lack of recreation and fitness options off-campus, more flexible indoor space is needed to meet growing needs

Multi-Use Facility West Campus

Perhaps the most significant new aspect of the 2035 UVA Wise Master Plan is the introduction of a large, multi-use facility that responds to the growing demand for flexible community space Immediately adjacent to the Prior Center, and with the prospect of connecting directly to it, the proposed facility would effectively double the capacity the College has to host public events, visiting theatrical performances and conferences while taking full advantage of the existing infrastructure provided for the Prior Center and Carl Smith Stadium.

The multi-use nature of the proposed building may include an indoor track, flexible turf sport courts, retractable basketball goals and demountable tennis court netting, in addition to a variety of other theatrical and performance space accoutrements The building could also accommodate elastic spaces for a variety of meeting and conference scenarios and could be outfitted with the infrastructure to permit group use of the facility for corporate events.

Constructing a significant new building in this location provides a tremendous number of benefits but also poses some logistical challenges In addition to the inherent difficulty of erecting a large structure so close to another existing building, it is also imperative that it neither detracts from the efficient operation of and access to Prior, nor diminishes the availability of parking, service and team/visitor drop-off However, if carefully planned, these issues can be overcome.

OPTION A

The site north of the Prior Convocation Center is well suited to support the introduction of a new, state of the art multi-use facility. The West Campus location is ideal, as it already offers significant parking and visitor amenities, and is positioned at the side of campus closest to town and nearest the nascent West Campus gateway.

The section above illustrates what it would look like to directly connect to Prior, with the potential to stitch the new facility into existing floors at multiple levels and open the possibility of sharing support spaces efficiently between the two large buildings.

OPTION B

While option A for site 10 directly connects to the Prior Center allowing the two programs to share resources more readily, option B creates a gap for an open-air architectural promenade to slide between them. This move may impact the amount of accessible parking adjacent to the new building but would provide an

enjoyable outdoor space that both students and the public could take advantage of. This plaza would allow the West Campus walkway to project through and beyond the building and extend all the way to the lake, where it may ultimately connect to new campus trails and lakeside landscape features.

Infrastructure

Connecting the distant corners of campus and linking buildings and landscapes at UVA Wise to the surrounding community is largely the responsibility of a robust infrastructure network The projects highlighted here, and expanded upon in the following pages, address two scales of intervention, 1) localized design solutions that improve discreet parts of the interior of campus and 2) larger-scale projects that address broader issues related to surrounding road networks and public access points. All of these potential projects require further study and design

Road, walk, and parking projects are presented here that serve to correct some of the inefficiencies in the existing network while also proposing a new generation of accessible, well-lit and strategically located routes that invite students, faculty, staff and visitors to more fully access the amenities on campus.

Given the size of the campus and the granularity of some of the proposed initiatives, the property has been divided into the familiar East and West Campus precincts (illustrated by the two dashed zones in the map at left). One significant infrastructural improvement – the Limited Access woodland drive (Project D) – spans the two and helps siphon off traffic loads during large events on the West Campus

A. Campus GatewayWest

B. Dam Connector

C. Lakeside Trails

D. Limited Access Drive

E. Sidewalks

F. Drop-off

G. Parking Lot A

H. Parking Lot B

I. Rhododendron Walk

J. Clinch Valley Drive

K. Campus Spine

L. High Campus Path

M. East Campus Green

N. Gym Parking

O. Campus GatewayEast

SP. Structured Parking Options

West Campus Infrastructure

A CAMPUS GATEWAY - WEST

Located at the western approach to campus, new walks, site walls, and signage announce an improved public gateway into the College. A Welcome Kiosk, trailhead, and campus directory offer wayfinding guidance to visitors planning to explore campus on foot.

B DAM CONNECTOR

To address the dead-end that currently exists in the upper reaches of West Campus parking at the terminus of Stadium Drive, a connector road across the dam provides limited vehicular access during campus events. Associated improvements to the dam, Vanover Avenue or other may be necessary and should be studied.

C LAKESIDE TRAILS

The West Campus trail system is extended via a series of loop walks that circumnavigate the lakes and connect to the existing High Campus trail network.

D LIMITED ACCESS DRIVE

To address traffic problems associated with large events, a limited access vehicular route/paved trail is proposed to traverse the back side of High Campus and provide circulation redundancy, while making natural areas more accessible.

E SIDEWALKS

To more readily provide pedestrian connections to the Town of Wise, a series of lighted sidewalk improvements and the installation of crosswalks are proposed to run along Darden Drive and connect to paths at Stadium Drive and Rhododendron Walk.

F DROP-OFF

Separating arrival and departure lanes and providing a dedicated entry plaza at the Prior Center will alleviate traffic back-ups that result from the current bottleneck. A planted median aids in making crossing Stadium Drive safer for pedestrians.

G PARKING LOT A

Relocated and expanded surface parking are necessary to accommodate the new Multi-Use Facility and replace parking lost at the Prior Center. Necessary ADA accessible parking stalls will need to be located to meet code requirements and must be considered as a key component of site planning for any future projects on campus.

H PARKING LOT B

A potential new surface parking lot is proposed to serve as overflow event parking and a visitor lot within an easy walk of core campus.

I RHODODENDRON WALK

Improvements to trail surface, lighting and signage at Rhododendron Walk will help formalize how the current limited-access gravel drive is used and will enhance the pedestrian route into campus from points west.

SP STRUCTURED PARKING OPTIONS

In alignment with the 2025 Master Plan, there are a couple of sites identified for their potential to house structured parking. If built, these lots could serve to increase accessibility of parking across campus and to densify parking, which avoids clearing natural landscapes for the sake of parking needs.

Parking Options

Structured Parking Options (SP)

Road Options

Trail Options

Area of interest in plan above

MAKING CAMPUS-WIDE CONNECTIONS

As concepts developed to address concerns about vehicular access during events, the desire for additional campus access options surfaced. The dam connector (B) and the limited access woodland drive (D) are two strategies to manage heavy occasional event traffic.

The woodland drive functions as a generous pedestrian lane through the woods, providing access to research areas in the High Campus while doubling as a way to funnel off traffic loads from the west side of campus and allow it to be routed eastward. The design would reinforce that the automobile is a guest, and that its principal use is to convey students and visitors across campus on foot.

Core & East Campus Infrastructure

J CLINCH VALLEY DRIVE

To make way for future development and to further enhance the pedestrian experience along the main East-West Campus walkway, a modest realignment of Clinch Valley Drive will provide a much smoother vehicular route around the west end of the lake. The new alignment accommodates a generous new building footprint and adjacent courtyard and further reduces vehicular impacts on the predominantly pedestrian center of UVA Wise. Accommodations to span the stream corridor that serves as the outfall from the lake will need to be considered.

K CAMPUS SPINE

Improvements to the major North-South pedestrian spine will help lay the groundwork for future campus development to the north. New and renovated buildings along the spine should continue to embrace it as a major campus connection, ensure its accessibility and safeguard its human-scaled design.

L HIGH CAMPUS PATH

Currently an underutilized facilities route to the back side of the physical plant, this graded roadbed can serve to link the residential zone to the trails and amenities of the High Campus. Minimal grading and light resurfacing can upgrade this path to a more usable footpath that enhances campus connectivity and leverages natural assets within proximity to core campus.

M EAST CAMPUS GREEN

Separate from the intimate and human-scaled landscape spaces of the core campus, Greear Gym and the East Campus athletic venues suffer from weak physical connections back to the center. A landscape design that strengthens the major East-West Campus walk and provides shaded paths and informal gathering zones can make this part of campus feel more integrated into the precinct. The future expansion of Greear suggests minor parking and service alterations.

N GYM PARKING

As plans coalesce around an improved fitness and recreation facility, much-needed outdoor improvements are proposed to help connect the indoor programming at Greear Gym and the surrounding active landscapes. In addition to reorganized parking and improved pedestrian connections back to the core campus, a generous event terrace between the gym and baseball would provide new space for a range of student life and athletic programs.

O CAMPUS GATEWAY - EAST

Located at the eastern approach to campus, new walks, site walls, and signage announce an improved public gateway into the College. Banners and other signature identifying features offer wayfinding guidance to visitors approaching campus from points east.

SP STRUCTURED PARKING OPTIONS

In alignment with the 2025 Master Plan, there are a couple of sites identified for their potential to house structured parking. If built, these lots could serve to increase accessibility of parking across campus and to densify parking, which avoids clearing natural landscapes for the sake of parking needs.

Parking Options

Structured Parking Options (SP)

Road Options

Trail Options

Area of interest in plan above

MAKING CAMPUS-WIDE CONNECTIONS

The most significant challenge to circulation for the East Campus – both for pedestrians and vehicles – is the considerable topographic variance between the entry elevation at Darden Drive and the upper reaches of the academic core. Over the years, buildings have generally helped address that issue, with both the library and student center providing internal vertical circulation routes.

As UVA Wise contemplates future growth, additional means of moving into and through the campus will be necessary. The 2035 Master Plan includes several new roads, paths and built structure options that all target improved accessibility and provide a broader number of ways to get students and visitors to their destinations with minimal physical impediments.

Landscape

While significant emphasis has been placed on the development of a strategic approach to building programs, locations, and potential building sites, the 2035 UVA Wise Master Plan puts an equal emphasis on developing a robust set of potential landscape projects and practices that will strengthen the campus experience

From the outset, UVA Wise has committed to the responsible use of natural resources on campus and has also recognized the affinities that people have formed for this corner of the Commonwealth and the important role the landscape plays in this community Goal 3 of the master plan prioritizes the cultivation of a unique sense of place, with a particular emphasis on the ecosystems and cultural systems particular to the Wise campus.

With this foundational principle in mind, the master plan identifies possibilities for highlighting and protecting native ecosystems, and ways to connect people to them with intentionality The master plan endeavors to extend access to the rich mix of natural environments to everyone by providing accessible means to do so wherever possible.

A core ambition of the projects that follow is to further improve the connection the community has to campus. It is the intent of the master plan to invite the people of the region to participate in and learn from the tremendous range of outdoor offerings UVA Wise has made available By embracing visitors and encouraging exploration of its 396 acres, The College demonstrates its commitment to a shared stewardship of the land, and a continued partnership that builds broad recognition for UVA Wise in the world

Campus-wide Landscape Projects

CORE & EAST CAMPUS

HIGH CAMPUS

West Campus Landscape Priorities

The West Campus is principally comprised of playing fields, large event venues, and surface parking lots It is also the side of campus closest to the public entrance facing the Town of Wise and as such, is the first vestige of the campus landscape that many visitors see upon arrival Because of this, the landscape strategies and infrastructure improvements in this part of campus focus on two priorities: making the site and various gathering and event spaces more visible and more easily accessible It is imperative that

roads, walks, and wooded paths be easily identifiable, designed to handle a variety of traffic demands (from everyday use to large events) and establish the quality and character of the landscapes found deeper into the campus The goal of the West Campus landscape design is to create an arrival experience that frames the brand of the campus in a way that promotes casual and planned programming and eliminates barriers to entry and use by students and visitors alike

Core & East Campus Landscape Priorities

Core campus is defined by its well-planned and easily identifiable campus landscapes and buildings and the many walks and drives that connect them Whereas the West Campus needs a series of enhanced landscape measures to elevate the way it contributes to the campus experience, the proposed work in the core and East Campus precinct builds upon the accomplishments of decades of carefully designed outdoor spaces and well-established vehicular and pedestrian networks that connect buildings, programs, and people across the topographically varied landscape.

The focus of the landscape strategies proposed for core and East Campus is meant to build upon and reinforce the scale, pattern and execution of the existing spaces and the qualities fundamental to them. Planting, furnishings, site walls and paths and the materials they are comprised of serve as the model for new spaces, and existing infrastructure is left largely intact, with modest realignments to roads and improvements to surface parking areas and service drives

Redevelopment Zones

Two large redevelopment zones were designated in the 2025 Master Plan – a mixed-use redevelopment zone at the corner of Darden Drive and Vanover Avenue and an academic mixed-use zone north of and above the central academic core. These zones target future development in areas where mixed-use infill development and redevelopment of existing facilities will create the greatest possible benefits in accommodating the variety of spaces and uses that comprise the College today and into its future. The careful redevelopment of these areas will also allow for the conservation of important landscape spaces that contribute to the health of the campus environment and the distinct identity of the institution

The two zones leverage their specific benefits of their adjacencies to the surrounding context and are planned to take full advantage of existing infrastructure and patterns of use The mixed-use zone to the west connects directly to existing Town of Wise public sidewalk and road networks and helps shape an identifiable gateway into campus Parking and welcoming green space greet visitors and invite them to explore the adjacent campus amenities

MIXED-USE ZONE

The academic zone expands upon the underlying core campus structure by extending the campus spine and shaping a new quad with opportunities for new buildings and programs. It will integrate landscape typologies found across campus to better integrate with its surroundings Long-Term Campus

Redevelopment Zone – West Campus: Mixed-Use Gateway

At the westernmost edge of campus, the introduction of a mixed-use zone would act as a welcoming gateway for those traveling from the Town of Wise to the UVA Wise campus. By developing program on both the north and south sides of Darden Drive, the zone would receive visitors and provide an invitation for further public engagement. Mixed-use programs and a potential visitors’ center would serve both the public and the campus community well by introducing new programs that could expand what is available in the campus core, such as

additional dining experiences The site is also well positioned for new trails that could begin at the northern corner and connect deeper into campus to the lake and even to the High Campus Trail for longer hikes and exploration This enhancement of the landscape systems would increase access to safe and beautiful nearby trails for the Town of Wise citizens and promote a closer relationship with the College The Mixed-Use Gateway would offer the ability to enhance the placemaking and entry experience of the unique place that is UVA Wise

Redevelopment Zone – Core Campus: Research Hilltop

As UVA Wise continues to expand in the coming decades, the development of research programs could necessitate additional academic buildings that would sit nicely on this hilltop site of campus. This location would serve as an extension of the academic core and reduce travel distance, while still allowing for a distinct character to form There would be a design challenge in the vertical access leading from the existing academic core to this redevelopment zone, which could continue the existing landscape and architectural moves found on campus From this elevation, views out to High Knob

would be easily captured making pleasant outdoor spaces There is an extensive land area that can be utilized without touching sensitive habitat areas that exist in other parts of High Campus. The research program would be nicely situated with ready access to research opportunities found on campus via the limited access High Campus Trail, and connections to the academic core with proximity to the Sandridge Science Center and new Technology Building Additionally, once on the hilltop, the relatively flat topography lends itself to landscape opportunities and parking.

CONCLUSION

The 2035 UVA Wise Master Plan charts a clear, principled, and flexible course for the College’s next decade of growth Rooted in a deep respect for place, people, and institutional purpose, the plan builds upon Wise’s long tradition of stewardship while responding thoughtfully to evolving academic, residential, and community needs Rather than prescribing a single fixed outcome, the master plan establishes a flexible framework - one capable of accommodating change while safeguarding the qualities that make UVA Wise distinctive

At its core, the plan reinforces the primacy of the campus experience Strategic densification of the academic core, targeted investment in student housing and recreation, and the introduction of a transformative multi-use facility collectively strengthen daily life for students, faculty, staff, and visitors At the same time, the plan elevates the role of landscape and infrastructure as essential partners in campus development, recognizing that paths, terraces, viewsheds, and natural systems are as formative to the Wise experience as buildings themselves

Equally important is the plan’s outward focus Through enhanced gateways, improved pedestrian connections, and thoughtfully conceived redevelopment zones, UVA Wise is positioned to deepen its relationship with the Town of Wise and the broader region These initiatives underscore the College’s commitment to shared stewardship, economic vitality, and public engagement, reinforcing its role as both an educational institution and a civic anchor in Southwest Virginia

Ultimately, this master plan reflects confidence in the future of UVA Wise confidence grounded in its mission, its people, and its remarkable setting By aligning growth with identity, flexibility with intentionality, and development with sustainability, the 2035 Master Plan provides a resilient foundation upon which the College can continue to thrive for generations to come

Acknowledgements

Master Plan Steering Committee

Chancellor Donna Price Henry

Alice Raucher: Architect for the University, UVA

Emilee Mullins: Student Representative

Gary Johnson: Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Hannah Ryan: Associate Professor of Music, Faculty Senate Chair

Jeffrey Baylor: Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management

Jimmy Adkins: College Board Member

Joe Kiser: Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations

Julia Monteith: Project Manager, Associate University Planner, UVA

Kendall Rainey: Director of Athletics

Laura Roberts: Town Manager

Meghan Dennehy: Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach, Staff Senate Chair

Mike Hatfield: Wise County Administrator

Tabitha Smith: Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Valerie Lawson: Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Alumni Engagement

Working

Group

Julia Monteith: Project Manager, Associate University Planner, UVA

Helen Wilson: Senior Landscape Architect, UVA

Bill Palmer: GIS Planner, UVA

Joe Kiser: Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations

Travis Perry: Director of Capital Planning and Operations

Genna Kasun: Associate Vice Chancellor of Marketing and Communications