A new Second Year Student Housing project in the Emmet Ivy Corridor enhances the 14.5-acre gateway combining UVA’s academic, cultural and civic space that connects key areas of the University of Virginia. This project serves as a link between UVA's Central Grounds, North Grounds, and the Athletics precinct. The Emmet Ivy Corridor aims to become a dynamic hub for creativity, democracy, learning, and discovery.

The landscape surrounding the 780-bed student housing emphasizes accessibility and connectivity within the corridor and beyond. Two pedestrian promenades run through the corridor, linking to adjacent streets. A central tree-lined green space serves as the primary area for formal events and gatherings of various sizes. Additionally, three courtyards with paved terraces and lawns provide amenity spaces for outdoor dining, light recreation, studying, and ceremonies. The landscaping prioritizes the planting of canopy trees along the promenades and Central Green, gradually transitioning to smaller subcanopy and flowering trees in the more intimate courtyards. A bioretention garden featuring native plantings and informal lawn areas with boulders for seating collects stormwater while creating a habitat that fosters biodiversity for pollinators.

The landscape design incorporates various planting typologies, streetscapes, seat walls, bike racks, lighting, and seating areas with benches, café tables, and chairs.

LOCATION:
Charlottesville, VA

CLIENT:
University of Virginia

TEAM:
Capstone Development Partners - Developer
Elkus Manfredi Architects - Architect
Dewberry - Civil Engineer
Lynch Mykins - Structural Engineer:
HLB - Lighting