VUU to break ground on first new building in 15 years

VUU will soon break ground on a new building–the first in 15 years.

December 4, 2012; 7:36 AM • by Nathan Cushing

This week, Virginia Union University (VUU) will break ground on a $15 million building, the first new building on campus in 15 years.

The Robert J. Brown Living and Learning Center will feature a 450-person conference and seminar facility, as well as residential suites accommodating 240 beds.

In a letter to alumni (PDF), VUU President, Dr. Claude G. Perkins, said the center “will address the University’s goals of invigorating academic programs, improving the quality of life for students, and enhancing VUU’s efforts to positively impact the adjoining community.” Perkins added the building will focus “on connecting the new living accommodations with a learning environment that will embrace a holistic community model. ”

The facility is named after a former Special White House Assistant during the Richard Nixon administration. Robert J. Brown attended VUU for one year, and recently contributed $2 million, the largest single-donor gift in the University’s history.

The building was designed by local architecture and design firm, KEI. The last VUU building to be constructed was the L. Douglas Wilder Library and Learner Resource Center in 1997.

The building will replace the University’s outdoor basketball courts. Official groundbreaking will take place on Thursday, December 6th at 10:00 AM.