For those of us with no connection to the University of Virginia, one of the ways to find out what’s happening is to watch the Buildings and Grounds Committee of the Board of Visitors. The group met last Friday.
The committee approved the new name of the hotel and conference center under construction on Ivy Road. Colette Sheehy, senior vice president for operations and state government relations, said the name was selected after extensive engagement.
“Virginia Guesthouse,” Sheehy said. “Which represents obviously the University and the Commonwealth. It’s meant to be obviously a welcoming place not only for our own University community but for the external community as well.”
Several names suggested by alumni and others were vetted including Virginia Hotel, Virginia Inn, The Cavalier, The Virginian, and Cavalier Hotel. However, all were registered by other entities and not available.
The hotel is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2025.
The committee also approved the naming of a new pedestrian bridge across Emmet Street for a 1977 alumnus and former member of the Board of Visitors—David Walker. The Walker Bridge will span between Newcomb Hall and the new Contemplative Commons expected to open this fall.
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