G RO U N D S M A S T E R P L A N U P DAT E
See the Latest Progress on Darden’s New LEED-Certified Inn and Conference Center Darden broke ground on a long-awaited construction project in early 2021, the beginning of a two-year process that will elevate facilities on Grounds, instructional resources and convening capabilities through the addition of a new inn and conference center, arboretum and botanical gardens. After years of planning, construction on the project, which forms part of the Darden Grounds Master Plan, began with the razing of Sponsors Hall, better known to much of the UVA community as the former home of the W.L. Lyons Brown III Innovation Laboratory (i.Lab), and the former UVA Inn at Darden. The i.Lab transitioned to a new space in Darden’s Classroom Building. Sponsors Hall and the old inn will be replaced by the new UVA Inn at Darden and Conference Center for Lifelong Learning, a modern inn and conference center featuring 199 hotel rooms, a conference center, flat and tiered classroom space, a restaurant, and a coffee shop, among other features. UVA has committed to making all new buildings and renovations compliant with the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The project will replace the old inn with a facility that provides an essential hub and lodging location for Darden Executive Education & Lifelong Learning participants, prospective students visiting Grounds, Executive MBA and Master of Science in business analytics students completing Charlottesville residencies, and the broader UVA and Charlottesville communities. The inn is scheduled to open early in 2023.
Arboretum and Botanical Gardens In addition to the new physical structure, the surrounding landscape is also in the process of being transformed into a new arboretum and botanical gardens. The new, sustainability-minded green spaces aim to both bolster health and wellness and enhance the connectivity between Darden, the UVA School of Law and all of North Grounds. The arboretum and botanical gardens will further feature a variety of thematic gardens, including a Japanese Garden, Chinese Garden, International Edibles Garden and a Prehistoric Plants Garden, among others. The arboretum will also connect to the Rivanna Trail, further connecting North Grounds to the broader community. 8
THE DARDEN REPORT
