Skanska USA has been selected to work on the USD 111.7 million renovation and expansion of the University of Virginia’s historic Alderman Library. Located at 160 McCormick Rd in Charlottesville in Virginia in USA, the effort to repair and replace many aspects of the existing library is the first major transformation since the library was constructed in 1938. The work will include a complete demolition of the 1967 addition, replacing it with a six-story concrete framed addition of approximately 125,000 square feet. The existing 100,307-square-foot library will also be renovated. The overall goal of the renovations is to adapt the historic building to meet the current and future needs of its users. The new design, by HBRA Architects, will create more open spaces and a stable environment that will be more conducive to the long-term preservation of library collections.

The renovations will include:
Renewal of building systems with all new infrastructures
An updated and expanded south entrance and a new highly accessible north entrance
Better utilization of space to improve way finding
A variety of environments for study, research, and social interaction
Restoration and optimization of historic characteristics such as the McGregor Room that houses the 11,000 volume collection owned by the Rare Book School
A much-improved environment for students and faculty in the humanities and social sciences to work with extensive and growing print collections
Enhanced facilities for the ongoing conservation and preservation of the print collections
Exterior and interior concourses connecting the Alderman and Clemons Libraries
Ample lighting to enhance the interior and make optimal use of existing light wells

The building will be completely vacated and all books and collections will be relocated for the entire project duration. Historical elements of the building such as windows, doors, paneling, wood floors, light fixtures, door hardware, etc. will either be removed and restored offsite, or restored in place.

The renovation and expansion are expected to be completed by end of 2022.