Status Update: University of Mary Washington Preservation Plan

Recent events concerning the Master Plan have been very encouraging. Over the recent winter break, Professor Sanford was notified by President Hurley that the administration was interested in working with preservationists to create a Preservation Plan in an effort to address concerns voiced by UMW students and alumni. While this is a very positive step, nothing has been written in stone at this point. It is also important to note that this plan is not to take the place of the current proposed Master Plan, but rather outline a course of action and possible recourse when or if the two plans come into conflict. Such a plan will have a number of components including campus and building histories, design evolution and context, significance statements, and guidelines for interventions and new construction. A steering committee, appointed by President Hurley, will help guide this effort with Assistant Professor Andrea Smith of the Department of Historic Preservation being appointed to serve among others in the UMW community. While the Preservation Plan will take time to complete, we do hope to have it ready to present to the Board of Visitors by September 2011. Throughout the process, updates and drafts will be posted for comment and review. Should you require any additional information or would like to comment about the plan, please visit the Master Plan website and feel free to contact me using the information below.

– Michael Spencer, Assistant Professor
Department of Historic Preservation
e-mail: mspen1bi@umw.edu
Phone: (540) 654-1311

Comments

  1. Daniel Messplay says

    Great article! This is definitely good news.

  2. Rather than repairing, structures should be replaced. Yes, it is important to preserve the past, but come on, this is 2011. Previous designs can be preserved. Only the quality of the material will be changed. The name of the college will still be there along with historical documents accompanying it. Most students are tired of looking at buildings with cracked paint/wood. It is not attractive and is rather harming the aesthetics of the school.