William Michael Coppa

The board reviewed and granted final approvals for several capital projects, including demolition requests at James Madison University and Virginia State University, roof replacements and facility renovations across various universities and state parks, and new construction or site improvements for the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, the University of Virginia, and William & Mary. Discussions included aesthetic concerns regarding building materials, color choices, and integration with existing campus environments. Certain projects were approved pending additional review from the Department of Historic Resources to ensure compliance with historic preservation standards.

The board reviewed several consent agenda and project items, including the installation of elephant sculptures in Spotsylvania County, the upgrade of a communications tower in Washington County, and various demolition projects for Virginia State University, Christopher Newport University, and Virginia Tech. Additionally, the board considered the construction of a new VDOT combination building and fuel center, window replacements at Virginia State University, the construction of new residence halls at Virginia Tech, a replacement plant operations building for Christopher Newport University, and the new Virginia State Police Training Academy.

The board discussed and granted final approvals for several campus construction and renovation projects across various Virginia educational institutions, including wayfinding signage, lab simulations, exterior renovations, repairs, new construction, and building demolitions. Preliminary approval was granted for new student housing at James Madison University with specific design feedback. Additionally, the board approved a date change for a future meeting.

The meeting addressed several items under the Consent Agenda, involving final approval recommendations for projects including the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) Big Survey Work Center, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) parking lot guard shack, and multiple Virginia Tech (VT) projects such as the Kentland Farms Modular Unit, a shed replacement, and a modular unit at the Southern Piedmont Research Center. Final approval recommendations were also sought for projects at the University of Mary Washington (UMW) and the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Omega Psi Phi Marker, some pending Department of Historic Resources (DHR) comments. Under Project Reviews, the Board recommended preliminary approval for the Virginia Tech-Carilion School of Medicine, contingent upon addressing comments related to landscaping, Hokie stone prominence, and design articulation. Final approval with comments was recommended for the George Mason University (GMU) Basketball and Academic Performance Center Addition. The recommendation for the VCU Grace and Laurel Residence Center was granted with one abstention, pending DHR review regarding historic district impact.

Key discussions included the approval of the 2026 Board Meeting Calendar and various project reviews requiring final or preliminary approval. Final approvals included projects for Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) warehouse addition and demolition, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (VDCR) family restroom addition, Radford University's Buchanan House demolition (with mitigation via a highway marker), VCCS/NVCC engineering lab renovation, George Mason University (GMU) window replacement, VIMS R/V Virginia berthing (pending archaeological results), Virginia Tech greenhouses and equipment shed, Virginia Tech Fleet Services windows replacement, and the Virginia School of the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB) gym renovation. Preliminary approvals were issued for VCU's Athletic Village Phase 1, VIMS Watermen's Hall Renovation, VIMS Marine Operations Center (pending archaeological results), and VCU's New Engineering & Arts Building. The board denied VCU's request to demolish 409-423 West Broad Street, requesting a resubmittal with mitigation due to the properties being contributing resources to a historic district. A public comment strongly objected to the demolition of the West Broad Street properties, citing VCU's poor stewardship and the historical significance of the structures.